Typeface vs. font: The differences explained

The distinction between fonts and typefaces plays a crucial role in both graphic design and web development, with typefaces being the complete family of designs that share common features and fonts representing specific weights or styles within those families. Typefaces are categorized into various types, such as serif, sans-serif, display, and accessible typefaces, each serving different design purposes. Serif typefaces like Times New Roman and Bodoni are known for their decorative strokes and are often associated with formality and authority, whereas sans-serif typefaces, which gained popularity in the mid-20th century, are characterized by their lack of serifs and are often used for their modern appearance. Display typefaces, such as Another Tag and Baguet Script, are designed for logos and headings and aim to convey the brand's aesthetic, while accessible typefaces like Atkinson Hyperlegible and OpenDyslexic are crafted to aid readers with visual impairments or dyslexia. Understanding these differences enhances effective website design and development by allowing designers to choose appropriate typefaces that align with the intended message and audience needs.