Small Caps

Using Those Little Big Letters for Acronyms, Abbreviations, Emphasis

Set type like a pro using small caps. Small caps are uppercase (capital) letters that are about the size of normal lowercase letters in any given typeface. Use small caps to make text less obtrusive or to give it more emphasis.

When groups of uppercase letters appear together such as acronyms (NASA, NASDAQ) or common abbreviations (AM, PM) the letters may grab more attention than necessary because the eye is drawn to the "larger" letters. When small caps are used instead -- SOHO, A.D., etc. -- they are less obtrusive than the normal size capital letters.

While used to de-emphasize acronyms and abbreviations within a block of text, headlines set in small caps can make the text stand out.

_{Due to the code limitations for the tools used to create this page I am unable to accurately simulate the use of small caps. Refer to the graphic for examples.}

Designing With Small Caps

• Use small caps instead of all caps. When you want to set short phrases in all caps for emphasis, try small caps for a more readable and elegant look.
  
  
• Mix capitals and small caps.. Set headlines in uppercase/small caps, using small caps in place of the lowercase letters for an elegant look that is more readable than all caps.
  
  
• Be consistent. When you use small caps for acronyms and abbreviations, do so throughout.
  
  
• Use small caps fonts. While you can create your own small caps on the fly by reducing the size of the type or using the "small caps" type features in some programs, many fonts are created specifically as small caps or have a complimentary font in small caps.