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

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

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules 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.

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules of Type

3. Use type in upper case and lower case.

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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.

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5. Keep line lengths short.

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules of Type

6. Limit headlines to not more than five words.

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

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules of Type

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

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9. Investigate and use proven and accepted typefaces.

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

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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.

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules of Type

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

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules of Type

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

Fundamentals of DesignUnit 6: TypeModule 4: Rules of Type