What is the difference between Serif and Sans Serif fonts?

To start off this blog about fonts for books here is an answer to a simple question:

What is the difference between Serif and Sans Serif fonts?

The answer is actually very simple and, for the most part, easy to recognize.  A Serif font has “feet” or added extensions like the top and bottom of the Times New Roman serif font example in the illustration.  The word “sans” (in French) means without.  So sans serif would be without the serifs or “feet”.  A classic example of a sans serif font would be Arial.

When do I use a serif font vs sans serif?  Typically, you use a serif font for the body of your paragraph text.  The “feet” make the reading easier on your eyes and make following the text on the pages of a book easier.  Sans serif fonts are used for headings, captions and text within tables.