Definition:
Decorative initial caps (capital letters) at the start of a paragraph that sit on the baseline of the first line of text but are noticeably larger, raised above the accompanying text are raised caps. As with any initial cap, the size and placement of this letter is designed to draw readers into the narrative. The common term drop caps or dropped caps for all initial caps is actually a specific style or placement. Raised caps are another specific style or placement of initial caps as are adjacent caps.
Creating Raised Caps
Perhaps the easiest style of initial cap to create, the basic raised cap is simply the first letter of the paragraph set in a larger font than the rest of the text. The raised cap could also be a graphic image instead of actual text. Because the raised cap sits level with the rest of the text, in order to make it stand out sufficiently it should be significantly different from the rest of the text either size (much bigger font size) or by using a distinctly different style of font.Fine-tuning Raised Caps
Some software will automatically change the leading of a line when changing the size of the raised cap. Override auto leading so that the entire paragraph using the same leading otherwise you could end up with more space between the first two lines of the paragraph than the rest of the text.- Fine-tuning Initial Caps applies primarily to dropped and adjacent caps.
- Have Fun Using Initial Caps shows how to make initials caps fancier.
- Incorporate Initial Caps Into Your Page Layout has a variety of tips for making all styles of initial caps look better on the page.
Alternative to Raised Caps
For a similar effect, instead of changing just the first letter of a paragraph, take the first two or three words and make them bigger and bolder, perhaps even setting them in ALL CAPS.Also Known As: initial cap
