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 (see image). By classifying fonts, we gain a deeper understanding of their form, function, and how to use them effectively in design.

In a previous discussion, we discussed the most basic types of classification: serif and sans-serif.  Today, we will delve deeper into the subcategories of serif typefaces, which have evolved over centuries of typographic history. These subcategories—

  • Old Style
  • Transitional 
  • Modern and 
  • Slab Serif—
    provide a rich understanding of how typefaces have developed and adapted over time. 

This episode focuses exclusively on the serif subcategory, while other classifications will be discussed in the next episode, In Shaa Allah.



Old Style Typefaces

Old Style typefaces defining feature explained. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context.Old Style typefaces are some of the earliest serif designs in the history of typography, originating during the Renaissance period in the late 15th century. A defining feature of Old Style typefaces is their serifs, which are bracketed—meaning they curve smoothly into the main strokes rather than meeting them abruptly. These serifs are relatively short, contributing to the understated elegance of the typeface. Another hallmark is the moderate contrast between thick and thin strokes, this balanced contrast adds to the readability and elegance of the type. The diagonal stress of the letters is a defining trait of Old Style typefaces. Some versions have a diagonal cross stroke of the lowercase e.
Old Style typefaces are some of the earliest serif designs in the history of typography, originating during the Renaissance period in the late 15th century.

Key Features:

  • Bracketed Serifs: A defining feature of Old Style typefaces is their serifs, which are bracketed—meaning they curve smoothly into the main strokes rather than meeting them abruptly. These serifs are relatively short, contributing to the understated elegance of the typeface.

  • Moderate Stroke Contrast: Another hallmark is the moderate contrast between thick and thin strokes, this balanced contrast adds to the readability and elegance of the type.

  • Diagonal Stress: The diagonal stress of the letters is a defining trait of Old Style typefaces. Some versions have a diagonal cross stroke of the lowercase e.

  • Lower X-Height: Old-style typefaces often have a lower x-height, with ascenders taller than descenders, further contributing to their traditional appearance.


Famous Examples: Garamond, Bembo, Caslon, and Jenson. Rooted in the humanist calligraphy traditions of the Renaissance, these typefaces are admired for their classic, warm aesthetic and exceptional legibility.



Transitional Typefaces

Transitional typefaces defining feature explained. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context. As the name implies, transitional typefaces represent an intermediary phase in a design trend away from old-style type aesthetics to a newer, more “modern” look. Developed primarily during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, these typefaces marked a significant evolution in type design, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary characteristics.
As the name implies, transitional typefaces represent an intermediary phase in a design trend away from old-style type aesthetics to a newer, more “modern” look. Developed primarily during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, these typefaces marked a significant evolution in type design, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary characteristics.

Key Features:
  • Moderate Stroke Contrast: The contrast between thick and thin strokes is more pronounced than in old-style typefaces but not as extreme as in modern ones like Didot or Bodoni. This moderate contrast gives transitional typefaces a refined yet approachable look.

  • Defined Serifs: The serifs on Transitional fonts tend to be more defined and less bracketed, meaning they gradually curve into the stem rather than forming abrupt angles. 

  • Vertical Stress: Another hallmark is the vertical stress in the letterforms. Unlike Old Style fonts, which lean slightly to the left, Transitional fonts are more upright, lending a modern and structured feel to the text.

Famous Examples: One of the most iconic examples is Baskerville, designed by John Baskerville in the mid-1700s. Other examples include Times New Roman and Perpetua.





Modern Serif Typefaces

Modern serif typefaces defining feature explained. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context. Modern serif typefaces are a striking category in typography, known for their clean, elegant appearance and distinct stylistic traits. Often referred to as the Didone typeface. Emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these typefaces reflect the influence of the Industrial Revolution, with its emphasis on innovation, precision, and progress. Designers like Giambattista Bodoni and Firmin Didot pioneered this style.

Modern serif typefaces are a striking category in typography, known for their clean, elegant appearance and distinct stylistic traits. Often referred to as the Didone typeface. Emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these typefaces reflect the influence of the Industrial Revolution, with its emphasis on innovation, precision, and progress. Designers like Giambattista Bodoni and Firmin Didot pioneered this style.

Key Features:

  • High Stroke Contrast: One of the defining features of modern serif typefaces is their high contrast between thick and thin strokes. This contrast is far more pronounced compared to earlier typestyles, like old-style or transitional typefaces.

  • Straight, Unbracketed Serifs: The serifs themselves are another key distinguishing factor: Unlike the rounded or bracketed serifs found in earlier typefaces, Modern serifs are typically straight and unbracketed, meaning there is no curve connecting the serif to the stem of the letter. This makes the serifs look more geometric and precise.

  • Vertical Stress: The axis of the letterforms is entirely vertical, meaning the curve of the letters (like in the "O" or "C") is upright, rather than angled as seen in the transitional or old-style typefaces.

These features make modern serif typefaces particularly suitable for display purposes and high-end editorial work, such as luxury magazines, branding, and advertising.They are ideal for when you want to convey an air of elegance and modernity while maintaining clarity and legibility. Despite their high contrast and sharp edges, the uniformity and precision of the forms allow them to stand out in large headings or short blocks of text without losing impact.

Famous Examples: Bodoni, Didot, and Walbaum.



Slab Serif Typefaces

Slab serif typefaces defining feature explained. Type classification is the process of organizing typefaces into categories based on their style, design characteristics, and historical context.Slab serif typefaces are a bold and distinctive category of typography that emerged in the early 19th century, primarily during the Industrial Revolution. These typefaces were designed to grab attention and convey strength, making them perfect for advertising, posters, and other forms of display typography.
Slab serif typefaces are a bold and distinctive category of typography that emerged in the early 19th century, primarily during the Industrial Revolution. These typefaces were designed to grab attention and convey strength, making them perfect for advertising, posters, and other forms of display typography.

Key Features:
  • Thick, Block-Like Serifs: Their defining feature is the thick, block-like serifs that appear at the ends of the letterforms. Unlike the thin, elegant serifs of old-style or modern typefaces, the serifs in slab typefaces are heavy and rectangular, giving the letters a solid and grounded appearance.

  • Unbracketed Serifs: These serifs are often unbracketed, meaning there’s no curved transition between the serif and the letter's main stroke—they connect with a straight, clean edge.


This bold style ensures the typefaces remain legible and impactful, even from a distance. For this reason, they were widely used in posters and advertisements in the 1800s. Slab serif fonts convey a sense of reliability, confidence, and strength, making them a versatile choice in design.


Famous Examples: Rockwell, Clarendon, and Memphis.



By understanding these subcategories—you not only elevate your design skills but also gain the ability to create visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll explore the fascinating world of sans serif typefaces and their subcategories, In Shaa Allah! (Learn Sans-serif Fonts & Their Subcategories)


Nurnobi Islam