This is the second episode of our Type Classification series. 
In the first episode, we explored the serif subcategory, discussing its rich history, key features, and iconic examples. If you missed that one, I highly recommend watching it before continuing with this episode (° Learn Serif Fonts & Their Subcategories). Today, we’ll be focusing on the sans-serif subcategory— one of the most versatile and widely used classifications in typography.

The history of sans-serif typefaces is fascinating. These typefaces emerged in the early 19th century and became hugely popular in the 20th century, especially with the rise of modernism and minimalism in design. Their straightforward, uncluttered appearance makes them a go-to choice for a wide range of applications, from digital interfaces to branding and everything in between. 


Sans-serif typefaces are classified into three subcategories: 
  • Grotesque Sans Serif
  • Humanist Sans Serif
  • Geometric Sans Serif

    • Let’s explore each subcategory in detail.



Grotesque sans-serif

Grotesque sans-serif typefaces defining-feature. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context. Fonts come in so many shapes, styles, and personalities that it would be impossible to navigate them without some structure. By classifying fonts, we gain a deeper understanding of their form, function, and how to use them effectively in design. Grotesque sans-serif typefaces are among the earliest styles of sans-serif fonts, marking a pivotal point in the history of typography. Emerging in the early 19th century, these typefaces were created to cater to the growing demand for bold and impactful designs, particularly for advertising and industrial purposes. The term "grotesque" comes from the initial reaction to these typefaces when they were introduced in the 19th century—people found their stark simplicity unconventional and even unattractive compared to the ornate styles of the time. However, grotesque sans-serif typefaces quickly gained popularity for their simplicity, functionality, and neutrality. One of the easiest ways to recognize a grotesque sans-serif typeface is by its slightly irregular and quirky design. While they lack the ornamentation of serif fonts, grotesque sans-serifs are not as refined or geometric as later sans-serif styles like Humanistic or geometrics. Their letterforms often display subtle stroke contrast, with some strokes appearing marginally thicker or thinner than others. The terminals, or the ends of the strokes, are typically blunt or squarish, giving the typefaces a sturdy and industrial feel. Letters like the lowercase “g” often feature a double-story design and the uppercase "G" often has a spur.

Grotesque sans-serif typefaces are among the earliest styles of sans-serif fonts, marking a pivotal point in the history of typography. Emerging in the early 19th century, these typefaces were created to cater to the growing demand for bold and impactful designs, particularly for advertising and industrial purposes.

The term "grotesque" comes from the initial reaction to these typefaces when they were introduced in the 19th century—people found their stark simplicity unconventional and even unattractive compared to the ornate styles of the time. However, grotesque sans-serif typefaces quickly gained popularity for their simplicity, functionality, and neutrality.


Key Features
  • One of the easiest ways to recognize a grotesque sans-serif typeface is by its slightly irregular and quirky design. 

  • While they lack the ornamentation of serif fonts, grotesque sans-serifs are not as refined or geometric as later sans-serif styles like Humanistic or geometrics. Their letterforms often display subtle stroke contrast, with some strokes appearing marginally thicker or thinner than others.

  • The terminals, or the ends of the strokes, are typically blunt or squarish, giving the typefaces a sturdy and industrial feel. 

  • Letters like the lowercase “g” often feature a double-story design and the uppercase "G" often has a spur.

Famous Examples: Fonts like Akzidenz-Grotesk, Franklin Gothic, Helvetica, and  Univers are classic examples of this style.



    Humanist sans-serif

    Humanist sans-serif typefaces defining-feature. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context. Fonts come in so many shapes, styles, and personalities that it would be impossible to navigate them without some structure. By classifying fonts, we gain a deeper understanding of their form, function, and how to use them effectively in design.Humanist sans-serif typefaces are a warm and approachable subcategory of sans-serif fonts, inspired by the organic, hand-drawn qualities of traditional calligraphy. They emerged in the early 20th century as part of a broader movement to create designs that felt more natural and approachable, even in the absence of decorative serifs. These typefaces are widely appreciated for their readability and organic feel, making them a favorite for both print and digital designs. One of the key ways to recognize a humanist sans-serif typeface is by its organic and flowing shapes. Unlike the rigid geometry of geometric sans-serifs or the mechanical precision of grotesques, humanist typefaces feature subtle variations in stroke weight, mimicking the natural flow of handwriting or calligraphy. This gives them a softer, more organic appearance that feels less “constructed” and more handwritten. Another hallmark of humanist sans-serif fonts is their connection to classical Roman inscriptions. For instance, the lowercase "g" in many humanist sans-serifs has a double-story design, echoing traditional serif typefaces. Similarly, the lowercase "a" often features a double-story structure, reinforcing the connection to classical typography. Fonts like Gill Sans, Frutiger, and Myriad are excellent examples of humanist sans-serif typefaces.
    Humanist sans-serif typefaces are a warm and approachable subcategory of sans-serif fonts, inspired by the organic, hand-drawn qualities of traditional calligraphy. They emerged in the early 20th century as part of a broader movement to create designs that felt more natural and approachable, even in the absence of decorative serifs. 

    These typefaces are widely appreciated for their readability and organic feel, making them a favorite for both print and digital designs.


    Key Features
    • One of the key ways to recognize a humanist sans-serif typeface is by its organic and flowing shapes.

    • Unlike the rigid geometry of geometric sans-serifs or the mechanical precision of grotesques, humanist typefaces feature subtle variations in stroke weight, mimicking the natural flow of handwriting or calligraphy. This gives them a softer, more organic appearance that feels less “constructed” and more handwritten.

    • Another hallmark of humanist sans-serif fonts is their connection to classical Roman inscriptions. For instance, the lowercase "g" in many humanist sans-serifs has a double-story design, echoing traditional serif typefaces. Similarly, the lowercase "a" often features a double-story structure, reinforcing the connection to classical typography.

    Famous Examples: Fonts like Gill Sans, Frutiger, and Myriad are excellent examples of humanist sans-serif typefaces.



    Geometric Sans Serif

    Geometric Sans Serif typefaces defining-feature. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context. Fonts come in so many shapes, styles, and personalities that it would be impossible to navigate them without some structure. By classifying fonts, we gain a deeper understanding of their form, function, and how to use them effectively in design.Geometric sans Serif is one of the easiest-to-recognize types of fonts in the sans-serif family. As the name suggests, these fonts are designed using basic geometric shapes, like circles, squares, and triangles. For example, the letters “O” and “C” are perfect circles, not slightly oval or stretched. Also, the thickness of the strokes is the same throughout the letters. This means there is no contrast between thick and thin lines. Because of this, Geometric Sans Serif fonts look very clean, balanced, and bold. Fonts like Futura, Avant-Garde, and Gotham are some of the most famous examples of Geometric Sans Serif. Designers love using these fonts because they look simple yet very stylish.
    Geometric sans Serif is one of the easiest-to-recognize types of fonts in the sans-serif family. As the name suggests, these fonts are designed using basic geometric shapes, like circles, squares, and triangles. 

    Key Features
    • Seemingly the letters “O” and “C” are perfect circles, not slightly oval or stretched. 

    • Seemingly the thickness of the strokes is the same throughout the letters. This means there is no contrast between thick and thin lines. Because of this, Geometric Sans Serif fonts look very clean, balanced, and bold. 

    Famous Examples: Fonts like Futura, Avant-Garde, and Gotham are some of the most famous examples of Geometric Sans Serif. Designers love using these fonts because they look simple yet very stylish.



    When you understand font types like Geometric Sans Serif, you improve your design skills. This knowledge helps you choose the right fonts for your work. Fonts are not just letters; they can show emotions, create moods, and send clear messages to the audience (Discover more about this). When you use fonts wisely, your designs become more meaningful and connect better with people. 

    In the next video, we will talk about other font categories, such as Script fonts and Blackletter fonts. These are also very interesting and have their own unique styles. Understanding these styles will help you make better choices when designing.


    Nurnobi Islam