Serif fonts, characterized by the small decorative lines or strokes attached to the ends of the letterforms, exude a sense of tradition, elegance, and formality. They are often associated with print media and have a long history dating back to the early days of typography. Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman or Georgia, are commonly used for body text in books, newspapers, and magazines due to their legibility and readability in longer passages.

On the other hand, sans-serif fonts, as the name suggests, lack these decorative lines or strokes. They offer a clean and modern aesthetic, often associated with simplicity, minimalism, and a contemporary feel. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Gotham are widely used for headlines, subheadings, and other display purposes where a bold and impactful appearance is desired.^[1]

When combining serif and sans-serif fonts, the contrast between the two styles can create visual interest and establish a clear hierarchy within your design. Using a serif font for headings and a sans-serif font for body text can help differentiate between different levels of information, making it easier for readers to navigate and comprehend the content. The sharpness and simplicity of sans-serif fonts can provide a complementary backdrop that allows the serif font to stand out and command attention.