Since piqué introduced the issue of typography in the one space-two space discussion, I have another question: serif or sans serif fonts?

Big Al

quote:

serif or sans serif fonts

depends on the font and the purpose.

Usually for a presentation (powerpoint, on a projected screen) I use a sans serif font because it seems sharper and I feel like it's easier to read.

But for printer matter, student papers etc., I prefer serif fonts like TNR, though maybe that's just due to habit...

My general rule of thumb:
Headlines, section heads, etc. - san serif
Body of text (what people will actually read at length): serif

IIRC there was research that showed that the little serifs make reading easier.

Why do some sans serif fonts have serifs for only the capital I? I noticed it especially when people were painting BLACK LIVES MATTER everywhere and the I stood out like a sore thumb.

(And it shows up above as well.)

In publishing, there's still a strong preference for serif fonts. Times New Roman 12 pt has been the standard for a long time.

Most of the justification for standardizing manuscript formatting--double-spaced, one-inch margins--is defended by editors who say that this format is easiest to read. I'm not sure whether that research has been done, but it's what they say. Some of this has got to be rooted in the fact that it's easier to read what you're used to. I'm used to Times New Roman, so I find it easier to read.

Publishing folks do not to tend to be early adopters of technology, so the standard file has been a Microsoft Word document for my entire career. My agent was still couriering paper manuscripts across Manhattan to publishing houses after the turn of the century. These are not people who like change.

But they do eventually change, and the loss of two spaces after the period is an example. Thus, I cannot say that sans-serif fonts will never be the default, but I think it will be a while.

To RP's comment... I really hate it when the number 1 and the letter l (lower case L) are indistinguishable. Sometimes when I'm making powerpoints, I'll change the font just on a number 1, esp when it's a stand-alone number and might be easier to mistake.

I don't want a student to be distracted even for a nano-second wondering whether something is a one or an "L"...

They may, however, be distracted for more than a nano-second wondering why the font looks funny...

quote:

Originally posted by big al:
Since piqué introduced the issue of typography in the one space-two space discussion, I have another question: serif or sans serif fonts?

Big Al

No rules here. It's a matter of design judgement and taste.

I personally don't care for sans serif for columns of text. Serif is easier to read. But plenty of designers do it.

What is Eric Clapton's favorite font?

Well, as everyone knows, he shot the serif...