Working With Type

Readability vs Legibility Readability Refers to whether an extended amount of text (an article, a book or an annual report) is easy to read. Legibility Refers to whether a short burst of text (a headline, a paragraph, a stop sign, etc.) is instantly recognizable.

How to Improve Readability? Use serif fonts for large amounts of text.

How to Improve Readability? Shorter lines are easier to read.

How to Improve Readability? Text aligned on the left is the most readable!

Rule 1 For optimum legibility, choose classical, time- tested typefaces with a proven track record.

Rule 2 Try not to use more than 2 typefaces at a time. Introduce the 2 nd typeface to create emphasis or separate different parts of text from each other, etc.

Rule 3 Don’t combine typefaces that are too similar in appearance. Example:

Rule 4 Use upper and lower case letters for higher legibility. Text set in all caps retards reading. Example:

Rule 5 Avoid rivers. Rivers are visually unattractive gaps appearing to run down a paragraph of text. Example:

Rule 6 For text type, use sizes that according to legibility studies prove most readable. Body copy is usually 8-12 pt. Note, typefaces of same size might appear different:

Rule 7 Avoid using too many different type sizes and weights at the same time. Rule 8 Avoid typefaces that appear too heavy or too light. Example: This font is too heavy!

Rule 9 Don’t stretch fonts on a computer. Always scale them proportionally!

Rule 10 Fix the text rag. Make sure all lines have approximately the same length. Example:

Rule 11 Use appropriate line lengths. Lines that are too short or too long are hard to read. It’s good to have 9-11 words per line.

Rule 12 For body text, use consistent letter and word spacing to produce an uninterrupted texture.

Rule 13 Clearly mark paragraphs, but be careful not to upset the integrity and visual consistency of the text.

Rule 14 Avoid widows and orphans when possible. A widow is a word left in a line by itself at the end of a paragraph. An orphan is a single syllable at the end of a paragraph.

Rule 15 Emphasize words in the text with discretion and without disturbing the flow of reading. Try to avoid underlining, coloring words, etc. Use italics when possible. Don’t overdo it!!!

Rule 16 When working with type and color, ensure that sufficient contrast exists between type and it’s background.

Always use curly quotes and apostrophes! Don’t have more than 2-3 hyphenated words per one paragraph. Rule 17 Rule 18

Great Video to Watch: Jacek Utko designs to save newspapers

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How is the line & color being used here? Composition?

Useful Links: All you need to know about different types of fonts: How to kern type: How to choose appropriate leading:

Useful Links: Freeware fonts available for download: “The Non-Designers Type Book” by Robin WilliamsThe Non-Designers Type Book “Experimental Typography” (Working With Computer Type, No 4)Experimental Typography Good Typography Books: