Five Sans-Serif Typefaces for Print and Web Design

Sans-serif typefaces are an essential tool for any graphic designer, either as a display typeface, or within body text. Legibility depends on the typeface, size, spacing and viewing conditions. A good example of this is Jock Kinneir’s and Margaret Calvert’s Transport typeface, used on the UK’s road signs.

Many sans-serif typefaces were developed between the 1920s and the 1950s. Their history also stretches further back than the 1920s. Prior to the arrival of Helvetica and Gill Sans, there was one typeface which spawned several other variations: Akzidenz-Grotesk. Helvetica was originally released as Neue Haas Grotesk.

We at Dreamkatcha web design have selected five established sans-serif typefaces. Check the licence for your intended print or web use, even if a font is already installed on your computer. Our guide to choosing typefaces explores the wider selection process.

1. Akzidenz-Grotesk

Akzidenz-Grotesk is an influential early sans-serif family. Developed by the Berthold foundry in the 1890s, it was designed for use in display materials. For instance, newspaper advertisements and posters. Its straightforward forms remain useful in contemporary layouts.

Foundry: H. Berthold (1890s)

2. Helvetica

The most celebrated typeface is Max Miedinger’s family of Helvetica typefaces. It has been used on countless designs and works well in body text form as well as poster designs and websites. Unsurprisingly, due to its popularity, it inspired an offspring of similar typefaces thereafter. Helvetica and Univers both appeared in 1957; they are distinct designs, so describing one as a straightforward copy is misleading.

When comparing Helvetica with alternatives such as Arial, Roboto or Noto, look closely at character shapes, spacing and available weights. Similar-looking families can produce different line breaks and require different layout decisions.

Designer: Max Miedinger, working with Eduard Hoffmann (1957)

3. Univers

Compared with Helvetica, Univers is a slightly more restrained typeface. The most subtle differences being more angular numbers and similarly rounded Rs. Designed by Adrian Frutiger, it has been referred to as ‘the dinner jacket’ of typefaces, compared with ‘the jeans’ of Helvetica. It is a great all-round typeface for body text as well as headings.

Designer: Adrian Frutiger (1957)

4. Gotham

A well-known use of the Gotham typeface was the 2008 US presidential campaign for Barack Obama. Its leanings have more of a nod to Futura and Gill Sans than Helvetica and Arial. Created by Tobias Frere-Jones, its development drew on New York’s everyday lettering. MoMA’s Gotham record describes the influence of the Port Authority Bus Terminal sign and a wider study of lettering across the city.

In bold type, a fantastic typeface for display materials and headings.

Designer: Tobias Frere-Jones (2000)

5. Futura

The Futura typeface, designed by Paul Renner in 1927, was inspired by Roman style uppercase text. There are numerous variants of the Futura typeface, with the bold and condensed weights a great choice for headlines. The light and medium weights are suitable for body text.

Futura’s geometric approach offers a useful comparison with later families. Explore Avenir, ITC Avant Garde, Century Gothic and other choices in our second selection of sans-serif typeface examples. Why not contact us today to discuss a web design project.

Designer: Paul Renner (1927)

Dreamkatcha, 17 November 2016.