The term Slab Serif is an umbrella term covering many font sub-categories. Slab fonts are closely associated with old posters such as the famous “Wanted” posters of the American Wild West. They originated in the nineteenth century when letters for printing were carved out of wood. The fine and very thin lines which are achievable with metal type, were not possible with wooden letters and as a result big, bold typefaces became popular as “display” typefaces. Initially slab typefaces were created as all-caps, lower case letters came later.
Slab fonts have become popular again in both graphic and web design and are frequently used to create big, bold headings and sub-headings. They contrast very well when used with body copy set in lighter typefaces. When set in larger sizes, slabs are eye-catching and draw attention.
So here’s a selection of typefaces, all fitting under the umbrella term “Slab.” Note that all of the following fonts are free to download for personal use (for example your own web site) but as always please check the licensing on anything you download and want to use for commercial use.
Ryno Slab Caps by Philotype – download here
Klein Slab Serif by Manfred Klein are free for all uses but a donation to Doctors Without Borders is welcome if you’re using this typeface commercially. You can download the font here.
Street Corner Slab by Gem Fonts is available in ten styles. Available for download here.
HFF High Tension by Have Fun With Fonts – download here.
Freshman font by William Boyd is a variation on the college/university style typeface – download here.
Slab Tall X by Manfred Klein – download here.
Gipsiero is a heavy distorted type create by Bumbayo Font Fabric – download here.
What do you think about these fonts? Would you use them in your designs? I wrote about Slab Serif fonts in a post last year and you’ll find another collection of fonts there.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
