FF Tisa Slab, designed by Mitja Miklavčič for FontFont, is the slab-serif companion to the highly regarded FF Tisa type family. It combines strong slab serifs with humanist proportions, resulting in a typeface that is both robust and warm. Known for its excellent readability in print and digital media, FF Tisa Slab is frequently used in editorial design, branding, and interface typography.
Why Designers Love It
Designers admire FF Tisa Slab for its balance of personality and functionality. Unlike colder geometric slabs, it retains a humanist touch that makes long-form text feel approachable. Its versatility allows it to work equally well in body text, headlines, and brand identities, making it a favorite among those seeking a slab serif with both strength and warmth.
7 Fonts Similar to FF Tisa Slab
1. Chaparral Pro
- Style: Humanist slab serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares a warm, approachable feel with strong slabs.
- Key Difference: Slightly more calligraphic in detail.
- Price & Availability: Commercial (Adobe Fonts).
2. Caecilia Slab
- Style: Slab serif
- Why It’s Similar: Designed for readability with sturdy slab serifs.
- Key Difference: More mechanical and less humanist than FF Tisa Slab.
- Price & Availability: Commercial.
3. Sole Serif Slab
- Style: Contemporary slab serif
- Why It’s Similar: Humanist inspiration with robust slabs.
- Key Difference: Slightly sharper and more modern in feel.
- Price & Availability: Commercial.
4. Adelle
- Style: Slab serif
- Why It’s Similar: Warm, legible, versatile slab with a similar tone.
- Key Difference: Slightly squarer counters, optimized for digital use.
- Price & Availability: Commercial.
5. Serifa
- Style: Classic slab serif
- Why It’s Similar: Shares geometric slab forms and clarity.
- Key Difference: More rigid, less humanist warmth.
- Price & Availability: Commercial.
6. IBM Plex Serif
- Style: Contemporary serif
- Why It’s Similar: Friendly serif family with slab-like stability.
- Key Difference: Less explicitly slabbed, more neutral personality.
- Price & Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
7. Roboto Slab
- Style: Slab serif
- Why It’s Similar: Clean and modern with excellent readability.
- Key Difference: More geometric, less humanist.
- Price & Availability: Free (Google Fonts).
Visual Comparison
| Font Name | Preview Text |
|---|---|
| FF Tisa Slab | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| Chaparral Pro | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| Caecilia Slab | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| Sole Serif Slab | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| Adelle | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| Serifa | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| IBM Plex Serif | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
| Roboto Slab | MODERN SLAB SERIF |
Recommendation Summary Table
| Alternative | Similarity Score | Best For | Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaparral Pro | 90% | Editorial & book design | Commercial |
| Caecilia Slab | 87% | Corporate & branding | Commercial |
| Sole Serif Slab | 85% | Contemporary editorial | Commercial |
| Adelle | 92% | Digital & print versatility | Commercial |
| Serifa | 83% | Classic slab applications | Commercial |
| IBM Plex Serif | 80% | Free modern serif projects | Free |
| Roboto Slab | 84% | Web & digital design | Free |
Conclusion
FF Tisa Slab succeeds in being a functional yet friendly slab serif, ideal for everything from editorial layouts to brand identities. If you’re looking for premium alternatives, Adelle and Chaparral Pro offer a similar warm tone. For budget-conscious designers, IBM Plex Serif and Roboto Slab provide strong free substitutes. With these options, you can confidently achieve the approachable strength of FF Tisa Slab in your next project.
