Type Classifications

Old Style
- Based on hand lettering of scribes
- Varied stroke width imitates calligraphy/ pen and ink style (and bracketed serifs)
- Serifs are always at a diagonal ("angled")
 examples: Bembo, Caslon, Garamond, Jenson, Palatino

Transitional
- contrast between thick and thin strokes is more pronounced
- bracketed serifs
- tall x-height
examples: Baskerville, Caslon, Perpetua, Times New Roman, Bell

Modern

– extreme contrast between thick and thin strokes
– flat unbracketed serifs
– hairline serifs
examples: Walbaum, Bedini, Edition Regular, Rundfunk, Dubiel, Orgreave, Bodoni, Latin Modern Roman


Slab Serif

- mono weight
- square ended serifs (rectangular)
- uniform serifs
example: Serifa, Rockwell, Memphis Clarendon, New Century Schoolbook, Beton


Sans Serif: grotesque

- first sans-serif designs developed in the 19th century
- considered grotesque by the English (from an Italian word 'grottesco', meaning 'belonging to the cave.' German typefounders adopted the term from the nomenclature of Fann Street Foundry, which took on the meaning of cave (or grotto) art. Nevertheless, some explained the term was derived from the surprising response from the typographers.)
examples: Akzidenz Grotesk, Franklin Gothic, Univers, Helvetica, Grotesque


Sans Serif: geometric

- influenced by the Bauhaus movement
- circular or geometric letters
- little variation in stroke thickness
examples: Futura, Foilio, Gotham, Avant Garde,


Sans Serif: humanist

- oval shapes
- variations in stroke thickness to create a more graceful, human appearance
- calligraphic and more friendly
examples: Gill Sans, Meta, Frutiger