The Key Element in Desktop Publishing Design Typography The Key Element in Desktop Publishing Design A

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz FONT Definition: A font is a complete set of characters in a specific face, style, size, and spacing. EXAMPLE: Arial Typeface ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890.,:;’‘!?$& Each set includes upper- and lowercase letters, numerals, and punctuation.

FACE Definition: Face is the design of the character. Each design has a name and is intended to convey a specific feeling. There are three basic types of faces: Serif: has lines or curves extending from the ends of the letters. Example Sans Serif: without lines or curves extending from the ends of the letters. Example Script: displayed like cursive handwriting. Example

Style Definition: Font style refers to the slant and the weight of the letters. Examples of type styles are: regular, italic, bold, and bold italic. Times New Roman Regular Times New Roman Italic Times New Roman Bold Times New Roman Bold Italic

This is 48 point type. SIZE This is 36 point type. Definition: Font size generally refers to the height of the font, usually measured in points. There are 72 points per inch. This is 10 point type. This is 12 point type. This is 18 point type. This is 24 point type. This is 36 point type. This is 48 point type.

Fonts are categorized as: SPACING Definition: Spacing refers to the amount of horizontal space each character gets on the line within a specific font face. Fonts are categorized as: Monospaced: each character gets the same amount of horizontal space on the line. Proportional: each character gets a different amount of horizontal space on the line depending on its specific width. Example: Monospaced Proportional

Typography rules and tips

The following tips should be used to achieve effective communication. Typography tips: The following tips should be used to achieve effective communication. Style sets the tone and look of your publication. Type needs to convey a feeling appropriate to the content and can be used to inform, entertain and create feelings and moods. The designers job is to ensure that the document’s message jumps off the page and into the reader’s mind.

Match the job: Select a typeface that matches the document content. To choose an appropriate typeface, generate adjectives that describe the mood or feeling that you want achieved. (Ex: masculine, strong, elegant, romantic, friendly, dramatic, etc.) Then choose a typeface with a personality that matches the adjectives. Remember that the typeface must be compatible with the content of the words and the document message. Example: BULLDOZER (appropriate) Bulldozer (inappropriate)

Legibility/readability: Readers want information that is easy to read, understand and use. Choose legible typefaces appropriate for the subject matter Ensure readability by making sure the type: is big enough to read is set at a line length that is not too long or too short provides a contrast to the background Use no more than two type faces per document!!!!! Styles highlight important words as well as help clarify and add contrast and interest. Horizontal serifs help lead the eye along the lines of type, making it easier to read. Serif typefaces are formal so they are typically used for long passages of text. Sans Serif typefaces are informal and are often used for shorter text and headlines. Use text appearance changes to make visual transitions. When using text appearance changes don’t set long blocks of text in italics bold or all caps.

Type is the key element in Desktop Publishing Design. Remember: Type is the key element in Desktop Publishing Design. Your message will be received and understood if these Type tips are used in your desktop publishing documents.