Kelly, this is the best description I've seen so far on why serif fonts might be easier to read on the printed page.
It doesn't seem to address, though, why serif fonts might NOT be ideal on the screen. I suspect that the simpler forms are easier to read in the constant light emitted from an electronic display, but that isn't stated precisely... S -----Original Message----- From: Kelly McDaniel [mailto:kmcdan...@pavtech.com] Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 9:21 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: RE: Questions about look and feel. OK, you've worn down my resistance and I must register my observations. Reading on the computer screen is different from reading a printed page. Reading on an LDC or TFT display is slightly different than reading on a CRT. (A CRT oscillates at, or very, very near the frequency of the electric supply current. LCD and TFT displays do not oscillate, or at least they display a more intense image persistance.) The printed page depends on reflected light. The background of the page reflects all wavelengths (rendered white...most of the time, anyway) and the print on the page blocks all wavelengths (rendered black...same proviso as background) of light. On the printed page, serifs serve the purpose of making the outline of each printed character distinct from the background by creating a longer border between the printed character and the background. This provides the eye more information whereby it can decode the character. Once again, the printed page depends on reflected light, and how well the characters block the reflection (render resolution.) There is a spanner (disturbance variable) in the works, however, and the spanner is this: The publisher has no control over the quality, color, or amount of light. Serifs help resolve this issue. Reading glasses help even more. Reading on a computer display differs from reading the printed page in this respect: The light is direct, in contrast to reflected light. Light emanates from the display. The characters and the background both block all wavelengths of light that are not contained in their respective colors. This difference is an important consideration when deciding to use serif or sans serif fonts. Reflection, refraction, and ocular persistence come into play. In general, serif fonts are "better" for printed works. Sans serif fonts are "better" for screen displays, but, I could be wrong...regards, Kelly.