Type Legibility and Readability
Legibility and readability are a function of the specific typeface, and how type is composed on the page. It is useful for anyone composing type to learn the generally accepted guidelines on point size, x-height, leading, character spacing, alignment, and typestyles that can affect legiblity and readability of type.
The designer must also consider the purpose of the work and the expectations of the audience when making legibility choices. The rules of type legibility are guidelines and starting points, not rules to be adhered to blindly.
The designer must also consider the purpose of the work and the expectations of the audience when making legibility choices. The rules of type legibility are guidelines and starting points, not rules to be adhered to blindly.
Giving Words Breathing Room
In addition to the specific attributes of a typeface, how it is placed on the page affects its legibility and readability. This includes character spacing, line spacing, and paragraph spacing.
In addition to the specific attributes of a typeface, how it is placed on the page affects its legibility and readability. This includes character spacing, line spacing, and paragraph spacing.
How to Match Type Size to Readership
Choose a font size that your primary audience can read comfortably.
Choose a font size that your primary audience can read comfortably.
Line Length
Balance line length with type size for readability. Try these formulas.
Balance line length with type size for readability. Try these formulas.
Serif vs. Sans Serif
In this article about choosing body copy fonts there are some common assumptions and reasons used for choosing serif over sans serif fonts for readability.
In this article about choosing body copy fonts there are some common assumptions and reasons used for choosing serif over sans serif fonts for readability.
Reports and Books on Legibility
For further studies in readability and legibility, use the library to find some of these published research reports and books.
For further studies in readability and legibility, use the library to find some of these published research reports and books.
Top Sans Serif Body Text Typefaces
Their readability has helped them stand the test of time. Check out these legible sans serif font classics.
Their readability has helped them stand the test of time. Check out these legible sans serif font classics.
Top Serif Body Text Typefaces
Their readability has helped them stand the test of time. Check out these legible serif font classics
Their readability has helped them stand the test of time. Check out these legible serif font classics
Channel Verdana
Since Microsoft is behind the move to make Verdana more widely used for the Web, it's only fitting that they have a section devoted to the development of this typeface -- from their Typography on the Web site.
Since Microsoft is behind the move to make Verdana more widely used for the Web, it's only fitting that they have a section devoted to the development of this typeface -- from their Typography on the Web site.
Design of a Typeface for Digital Television
A look at how the change from analog to digital television will affect the need for new, more legible typefaces.
A look at how the change from analog to digital television will affect the need for new, more legible typefaces.
Drug Labels, X-Height, and Type Size
Abstract of a paper that asks the question: Is x-height a better indicator of legibility than type size for drug labels?
Abstract of a paper that asks the question: Is x-height a better indicator of legibility than type size for drug labels?
Georgia and Verdana
Typefaces designed for the screen. Daniel Will-Harris takes a close look at these and other screen-friendly type.
Typefaces designed for the screen. Daniel Will-Harris takes a close look at these and other screen-friendly type.
Illegibility
Typographical factors that affect readability of text and arguments against the search for the ultimate legible typeface and a look at how we may have outgrown old "rules." By Peter Bilak; from TYP/Typografisch Papier.
Typographical factors that affect readability of text and arguments against the search for the ultimate legible typeface and a look at how we may have outgrown old "rules." By Peter Bilak; from TYP/Typografisch Papier.
Rules of Thumb
From the Fonts FAQ, scroll down to the section with rules of thumb for setting type that is easier to read.
From the Fonts FAQ, scroll down to the section with rules of thumb for setting type that is easier to read.