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What Is the Roman Type Classification?

Roman serif fonts have long been known for their legibility

By Jacci Howard Bear Jacci Howard Bear Writer A graphic designer, writer, and artist who writes about and teaches print and web design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 17, 2020 Tweet Share Email Chris Bradley / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design Of the three original type classifications of Western typography—roman, italic, and blackletter—roman is the style in widest use. This classification includes the serif typefaces that are the standard in many publications and known for their legibility and beauty. Roman fonts were originally based on a letterform style from ancient Rome that became popular during the Renaissance and continued to evolve into the classic serif fonts of today. Many of the most enduring fonts are roman serif fonts—the ubiquitous Times Roman is one example.

Understanding Serif Fonts

The roman type classification is filled with serif typefaces. Serifs are small lines attached to the ends of strokes in a letter. A typeface that uses these small lines is called a serif typeface. A typeface that doesn't have serifs is called a sans serif typeface. Roman serif fonts are overwhelmingly used in publications with long text passages, such as newspapers, magazines, and books. Roman fonts are not as popular for use on web pages because the screen resolution of some computer monitors is insufficient to render the tiny serifs clearly. Website designers tend to prefer sans serif fonts.

Categories of Roman Serif Fonts

Roman serif fonts are categorized as old style, transitional, or modern. There are thousands of roman serif fonts. Here are a few examples: Modern fonts are also called neoclassical. Old style fonts were the first of the modern roman typefaces. They were created before the mid 18th century. Other typefaces developed later that were modeled on these original fonts are also called old style fonts. Examples include: Berkeley OldstyleLegacy SerifBemboCaslonGaramondPalatino Transitional fonts are attributed to the work of John Baskerville, a typographer and printer working in the mid-18th century. He improved printing methods until he could reproduce fine line strokes, which had not been possible previously. Some of the fonts that came from his improvements include: BaskervillePerpetuaAmericanaGeorgiaTimes New RomanSlimbach Modern or Neoclassical fonts were all created during the late 18th century. The contrast between the thick and thin strokes of the letters is dramatic. Examples include: BodoniFeniceWalbaumDidotElephantAntigua

Modern Classifications

The original classifications of roman, italic, and blackletter aren't used much by modern graphic artists and typographers as they plan their projects. They are more likely to refer to fonts as being in one of four basic categories: serif fonts, sans-serif fonts, scripts, and decorative styles. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 10 Best Classic Serif Fonts for Print Projects Change the Default Font in the Mac's Mail Program Traditional Certificate Fonts How to Install TrueType or OpenType Fonts in Windows Definition and Characteristics of Old Style Fonts How to Type Curly Quotes and Curly Apostrophes How to Use APA Format in Google Docs How to Add Fonts to Word Use Fewer Fonts in Your Graphic Designs How To Use Text as an Image Mask In Adobe InDesign Fonts to Use for St. Patrick's Day How Do I Design a Good Newsletter? Tips and Hints How to Change Gmail's Default Font Options Condensed Fonts Take up Less Space Horizontally An Introduction to Typeface Anatomy How to Use a Kindle Paperwhite Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies