QMS 1725E, Reference

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Typeface Classification
QMS 1725E Print System Reference 3-6
Typeface Classification
One way of classifying the different typefaces is to group them into
the following categories:
n
Serif
n
Sans serif
n
Script
n
Pi or symbol
Serif
A serif is a decorative line or tail on the ends of the strokes of a letter.
Serifs, usually on the lower half of a letter, have also been referred to
as feet or curlicues. Courier, ITC Bookman, New Century School-
book, Palatino, and Times are serif typefaces.
In the following example, all the letters except “e” and “o” have serifs:
Times Roman
Sans Serif
Sans serif (“sans” is French for “without”) indicates a typeface without
any of these small tails. A sans serif typeface is decorative by the
shape and styling of its letters but has less detail than a serif type-
face. Helvetica, Helvetica Condensed, Helvetica Narrow, and ITC
Avant Garde Gothic are all sans serif typefaces.
In the following example, the slight curving at the bottom of the letters
“t” and “a” is not a serif. It is part of the line forming the letter rather
than a decorative line added on:
Helvetica