Why use sanserif body copy?!

[olcvisual]

In Design books of all places! I'm reading the 1st edition "A History of Graphic Design" and decided to check the 3rd edition -- I was surprised to see the body copy in sanserif type (1st edition has a serif type). What would possess anyone to publish a design book in sanserif type?!

[Keyare]

Personal choice.

And as graphic design books go - it's not the ugliest!

Care to share a tacoobie?

[Magnus]

Although, i did read somewhere, that for long reads serif type is easier to read by the eye. No clue why...and I can't remember where I read that.

"It's not cheating if you win."

- A VERY wise person.

[olcvisual]

Magnus said...
Although, i did read somewhere, that for long reads serif type is easier to read by the eye. No clue why...and I can't remember where I read that.



Serif type is easier to read in print while Sanserfif type is easier to read on screen. Just compare the two in both media.

I'm all for personal aesthetic choices but not when it reduces readability.

[paulrandfan]

Are you reading Phillip Meggs 'A History of Graphic Design,' I laughed at that two when I first got it because that was one of the first rules they taught us in typography was that it is best to use Serif typefaces in body copy and for lengthy amounts of text (which that one definately is). I also was pissed becase (at least my issue) is hard copy on glossy, and if it gets any heat on the pages, the ink smears.

According to rules, large amounts of text is supposed to be set in serif, because it's more legible, while large display is supposed to be set in Sans Serif because from far away it is easier to read.

'To Design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit; it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse.' --Paul Rand

[Jason Fraker]

I've noticed that using sans serif body copy is beginning to be a trend, especially with magazines. Mac Design and Photoshop User both use sans serif copy now, and I'm beginning to see this all over th place. Next thing you know, they'll start putting TWO SPACES after a period!!!!! What is this world coming to?

-Jason

The clothes do make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society at large.

[paulrandfan]

HA! People at my job think I'm nuts with all my rules. Have you read The Mac is Not a Typewriter and the following...The Mac is STILL not a Typewriter?

'To Design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit; it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse.' --Paul Rand

[Jason Fraker]

I've read the first one, along with just about every other book Robin Williams wrote on design and typography. She's great!

People think I'm crazy too when I tell them that you don't need two spaces after a period. It's like I'm trying to tell them that the world is really flat or something. They refuse to believe it until I show them any text in any publication...

-Jason

The clothes do make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society at large.

[olcvisual]

paulrandfan said...
Are you reading Phillip Meggs "A History of Graphic Design," I laughed at that two when I first got it because that was one of the first rules they taught us in typography was that it is best to use Serif typefaces in body copy and for lengthy amounts of text (which that one definately is). I also was pissed becase (at least my issue) is hard copy on glossy, and if it gets any heat on the pages, the ink smears.

According to rules, large amounts of text is supposed to be set in serif, because it's more legible, while large display is supposed to be set in Sans Serif because from far away it is easier to read.


Yes. The first edition. Otherwise I doubt my eyes can handle all that sans serif copy in the third edition. There's another popular design book set in sans serif type ... I can't remember the title at the moment ... it's about grid layout...

[DivineDesign]

paulrandfan said...
Are you reading Phillip Meggs "A History of Graphic Design," I laughed at that two when I first got it because that was one of the first rules they taught us in typography was that it is best to use Serif typefaces in body copy and for lengthy amounts of text (which that one definately is). I also was pissed becase (at least my issue) is hard copy on glossy, and if it gets any heat on the pages, the ink smears.

According to rules, large amounts of text is supposed to be set in serif, because it's more legible, while large display is supposed to be set in Sans Serif because from far away it is easier to read.


That is the book I had for History of Graphic Design too...that is the FIRST thing that my teacher said to us b/c he was also a Typography teacher (and graphic symbolism...and art direction......obviously i had him for all of these classes...) its annoying...i agree with all of you......eeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwww sans serif....http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/emoticons/weep.gif

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I wanna be like Case when I grow up!


Today I begin to understand what love must be, if it exists.... When we are parted, we each feel the lack of the other half of ourselves. We are incomplete like a book in two volumes of which the first has been lost. That is what I imagine love to be: incompleteness in absence.

[PrintDriver]

Sans serif for body copy on large size text panels in Museum exhibits look sweet. I think it's easier to read on a wall. Sometimes. Unless it's Rotis Light. Ow.

PrintDriver is a large format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

[D-Zine]

San Serif for body copy doesn't bother me as long as the leading is right visually. Just depends on the font and overall design. There are some serif fonts I hate to see as body copy too...it just depends.

I just skimmed through an issue of Graphic Design USA and there wasn't a serif font in site! And no Indentions for paragraphs either (YAY). I think the layout and design of that magazine is nice and clean...so again I guess it just all depends.

/emoticons/cheers.gif

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