1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Web Design / HTML

What are the generic font families in CSS?

By , About.com Guide

Generic font family examples

Generic font family examples

Screen shot by J Kyrnin
Question: What are the generic font families in CSS?
Answer:

If the user agent viewing your Web page does not have access to the font you have chosen, it will use a different font instead. If you indicate which generic font family you'd like the user agent to use, you can have a little more control over your Web page.

The generic fonts are:

  • cursive
  • fantasy
  • monospace
  • sans-serif
  • serif
Explore Web Design / HTML
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Family Tech Center

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Web Design / HTML
  4. Web Design
  5. Principles of Web Design
  6. Fonts
  7. What are the generic font families in CSS? Fonts FAQ - What are Generic Fonts?>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.