You might know the difference between serif and san-serif type faces, but it goes even deeper than simply that. There are several classification of serif type that any type face with a serif can fall into. Check out the chart below to learn more.
OLD STYLE
The Old Style or Humanist serif typefaces developed in the 15th and 16th centuries and are characterized by a low contrast in stroke weight and angled serifs.
TRANSITIONAL
The bridge for the gap between Old Style and Modern serifed typefaces, Transitional type has a more vertical axis and sharper serifs than humanist forms.
MODERN
Modern serifed typefaces developed in the late 18th and early 19th century and were a radical break from the traditional typography of the time with high contrast of strokes, straight serifs and a totally vertical axis.
SLAB
Slab, or Egyptian-serifed, typefaces have heavy serifs and were used for decorative purposes and headlines because the heavy serifs impeded legibility at small point sizes.
