Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Sans serif and serif typefaces
Because sans serif typefaces are generally simpler in form than serif
typefaces and scripts, they achieve a clearer visual presence on the
web. On screen, very small serifs are described by an inordinate
number of pixels relative to the rest of the letterform. Comparisons
between sans serif typefaces must be made by the designer to
ensure that selections are suitable to the content. Usually, a well-
proportioned sans serif typeface possesses a medium stroke weight
and a balanced ratio of form to counterform. Slightly condensed
faces afford more characters per line and thus utilize less space on
the page. Designers may safely select traditional workhorses such as
Helvetica, Univers, and Futura, or typefaces embracing similar design
characteristics. These classic typefaces still appear fresh when well-
spaced and provided with sufficient scale contrast. Sans serif fonts
with personality can be equally effective for on-screen viewing. These
include DIN, Franklin Gothic, Gill Sans, Lucida Sans, Meta, and Rotis
Sans, to name but a few.
When serif typefaces are used, they are best selected on the
basis of their legibility on screen at small sizes (Fig.
8-14
). In the
serif category, slab serif fonts provide more legibility than Old Style,
transitional, or Modern typefaces (Fig.
8-15
). Typefaces such as
Memphis, Rockwell, Serifa, and Museo possess moderate contrast
between strokes, and blocky serifs that translate well into pixels. All
typefaces under consideration should be tested by comparing their
relative legibility on screen at various sizes. Typefaces endowed with
sturdy serifs and moderate stroke contrasts hold up best to pixelation
on screen (Fig.
8-16
).
Scale
At medium resolution, type scaled to larger sizes benefits from
increased pixel density (Fig.
8-15
). More pixels reveal subtle contours
of typographic form and detail. To achieve a lively visual hierarchy,
there should be sufficient contrast in the size of typographic
elements. Larger type elements in relationship to smaller elements
not only create drama but also provide units of information that
establish emphasis on the page. The screen environment is forgiving
of text scaled to larger sizes. Depending on the size of the screen and
the resolution, 12- to 16-point type serving as text copy can appear
proportionally correct and not visually overpowering. However,
neighboring text units should be sufficiently scaled to maintain
contrast.
8-15
A beloved classic, the Bodoni typeface possesses
hairline serifs and an extreme contrast between thin
and thick strokes that make it less adaptable for screen
use. The antialiased letterform
T
, descending in size
from large to small, illustrates how letterforms break
down at a screen resolution of 72 dpi.
8-16
The specimens shown at right exhibit the
formal clarity, simplicity, and proportions required
of any typeface to be used on digital screens. These
antialiased specimens are shown in medium or bold
weights at 72 dpi.
