wd131 unit 6 module 4 the rules of type

Do’s and Don’ts of Typesetting

There are some good practices you can follow when choosing a typeface. The number one rule is to keep it simple!

Type

WD131: Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 3: Type as a Visual Organizer of Information

1. Avoid mixing too many fonts and styles of type.


2. Be consistent. Do not set the point size to fit available space. Use a consistent size and adjust leading, tracking, or the line length to fit.


3. Use type in upper case and lower case.


4. Keep the body copy for reports and books to 12 points or less. Try not to use a body copy of less than 9 points. This small size is considered difficult to print and hard to read and is just for text that is deceptive in nature.


5. Keep line lengths short.


6. Limit headlines to not more than five words.


7. Limit the body copy to not more the 64 characters in a line.


8. Avoid using too big a point size for the body copy. A small size with more leading is better for readability.


9. Investigate and use proven and accepted typefaces.


10. Develop typeface favorites for specific uses and utilize them until you are experienced enough to experiment.


11. Avoid distorting typeface using software programs. Use the italicized, bold, condensed, and expanded fonts and not the “fake” fonts that are created when you press CTRL+B to make the text bold.


12. Use lots of white space. However, do not overuse.


16. Be sensitive to balance, creativity, and readability.


wd131 unit 6 module 4 the rules of type

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