Sans-serif Fonts

What are sans-serif fonts?

In type design, fonts are commonly classified into two categories: sans-serif and serif. While serif fonts have roots tracing back to Roman inscriptions, sans-serif fonts emerged later, gaining prominence in the early 19th century. The term ‘sans-serif’ means ‘without serifs’—the small decorative lines or feet at the end of a character’s stroke. The simplicity and clarity of sans-serif fonts made them a modern choice for a multitude of applications, especially with the rise of digital media.

Brand expression using sans-serif fonts

Their simplicity of sans-serif typefaces can communicate straightforward professionalism paired with approachability, making them ideal for a wide range of communication assets. Sans-serif fonts deliver versatility, fitting seamlessly into minimalist designs while maintaining style.

The following features illustrate the versatility and impact of sans-serif fonts:

The nature of sans-serifs

Sans-serif fonts come in numerous styles that greatly impact a brand’s visual identity. Geometric sans-serifs, like Scal, Geo, and Acme, suggest precision and modernity, while humanist and contrast sans-serifs, such as Roma and Chez, convey warmth and friendliness. Neo-grotesque sans-serifs like Anky are known for their neutrality, making them a staple in corporate branding. Extended (wide) sans-serif fonts have a modern, more technical look; examples are Desk and Byrl.

Sans-serif fonts are often used for body text in digital media due to their clean lines and legibility. They are also a popular choice for display applications, including logos, titles, and headlines. A popular logo font is Bauhaus Bau, a type based on the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s and early 30s, which focuses on modularity and simplicity. Other sans-serif fonts for title design and logos are Lace, Pout, Skay, Goji, Loco, and Swav.

The influence of stroke weights (thin to thick)

Stroke weight in all types of fonts plays an essential role in conveying a brand’s personality. Thin strokes often communicate elegance and sophistication, while thicker strokes convey strength and boldness. This variability allows designers to select a weight that aligns closely with a brand’s intended message.

For instance, a thin sans-serif font might be used for a high-end fashion brand to suggest luxury and refinement. In contrast, a tech company might employ a bold sans-serif font to signify innovation and strength.

The dynamics of contrast in sans-serif fonts

While sans-serif fonts generally feature a more uniform stroke width, some have subtle variations in contrast that can add visual interest. High-contrast sans-serif fonts, such as Roma and Chez, create a more designy, modern look with an Italian or Romanesque touch. In contrast, low-contrast fonts like Bauhaus Geo and Slim provide a straightforward appearance, reminding the viewer of a Nordic, more essential, and minimalistic origin.

Contrast can enhance readability and add character to text, making it a consideration for designers aiming to achieve a particular visual effect.

Modern sans-serif fonts: Using wide and open letterforms

Wide and open letterforms are a hallmark of many modern sans-serif fonts. These characteristics enhance readability and give a friendly, approachable feel. Fonts using single-story a and g like Geo and Scal exemplify this trend, providing clarity and ease of reading, especially on digital screens.

These types of fonts work well for brands that want to appear transparent, approachable, and contemporary.

Sans-serif font pairings with other fonts

Pairing sans-serif fonts with other typefaces can create more dynamic designs. For instance, combining a sans-serif with a serif font can balance modernity and classiness. An example is using Edde for headings and Scal for body text, providing character while maintaining simplicity.

Rounded stems add softness

Rounded stems in sans-serif fonts bring a sense of warmth and openness. Fonts like Goji, Loco, and Chez exemplify this feature, making them ideal for brands aiming for a friendly look.

Exploring our sans-serif font collection

Anky—Geometric medium-slim sans font: A classic neo-grotesque typeface known for its neutrality and versatility.

Bauhaus Geo— Geometric avant-garde-style font, used for its clarity and simplicity.

Scal—Pointy font, classic with a modern spin, geometric sans-serif that embodies precision and modernity.

Bauhaus Acme—Modern, cool sans font for branding, a modern typeface with a clean, professional appearance.

Roma—Sans-serif contrast typeface, a humanist sans-serif with warmth and readability.

Slim—Friendly sans-serif startup font, a blend of geometric and grotesque qualities, offering balance and approachability. Great for tech startups.

Bauhaus Bau—Rounded font for retro branding; its extensive family and alt characters help create versatility in design.

Bauhaus Desk—Extended font for tech & design; designed for clarity and modernity.

Byrl—Super-extended font for tech, fashion & finance, a wide sans-serif with a friendly feel.

Apex—Pointy font with geometric frame, combines modern proportions with a geometric feel.

Nano—Science & tech font offers a technical look with a unique character.

Rail—Fun contrast font with line stems, a sans-serif with contrasted lines, providing a fun look that emphasizes connectivity.

Bauhaus Chez—Rounded high-contrast font, an elegant sans-serif in its lighter weights and comforting look in its bolder weights.

Bauhaus Vole—Geometric water font, designed for logos and titles. Friendly and great for digital projects.

Bauhaus Cut—Pointed sans-serif typeface, pointy, modular type for display usage with alt letters for versatility.

Bauhaus Bool—Playful font with an edge, a versatile typeface with a wide range of modern applications, such as logotype and titles. Works well for longer texts too.

Mosy—Friendly, modern sans serif font, a cool sans-serif font with a delightful look. Its upper half is designed to be more prominent in style, making this typeface modern and fun.

Pout—Fun reverse-contrast font, inspired by urban typography, offering a fun, modern look for logos and titles.

Swav—Wavy, futuristic font for logo design, a modular, wavy sans-serif with lots of alt letters to create modular designs, such as logos and titles. Retro and futuristic feel. Great for music and film projects.

Goji—Friendly, rounded font, a geometric sans-serif with rounded terminals, providing a friendly feel. Many logo designs use this type of font, such as Crocs shoes and Hello Kitty designs.

Lace—Handwritten line font, a handwritten sans-serif with a constructed look and a wide range of weights.

Lace Rounded—Handwritten line font, rounded, a rounded version of Lace, a handwritten font ideal for headlines and shorter copy snippets, and display use, of course.

Loco—Bubble font similar to Cocomelon, a reworking of the Goji font with a focus on kids’ titles and fun projects with the use of slightly tilted letters and integrated highlights to create a bubble effect.

Quin—’20s font in Art Deco style, a geometric sans-serif with a vintage feel.

Slye—Glitch font, a geometric sans-serif with a clean and modern aesthetic but sliced in the middle for a glitch look. Has nine font weights.

Bringing out the best in sans-serif fonts

Understanding the nuances of sans-serif fonts—from stroke weights and contrast to letterform width and stem rounding—enables designers to leverage these typefaces effectively. The clean, modern aesthetic of sans-serif fonts makes them a staple in contemporary design, allowing for clear communication and versatile application. By exploring the diverse characteristics of sans-serif fonts, designers can create compelling brand identities that resonate with audiences and stand the test of time.

In a nutshell

Sans-serif fonts have solidified their place in modern design, offering versatility, readability, and a wide range of stylistic choices. Whether used for body text, headlines, or brand identities, sans-serif fonts provide a clean, contemporary look that is easy to tailor to different design needs.