Fix Short Lines Within Columns of Text

Some designers consider any word or short phrase at the end of a paragraph a widow or orphan — if it doesn't extend across at least one-fourth to one-third of the column width. You may or may not choose to make adjustments for these in-column widows and orphans. For some, these short lines add extra white space that enhances the design. In some cases the short line followed by an indented paragraph creates odd patterns in the text.

The lengths to which you go to correct these types of line endings may depend on available time and the desires of the client. Deal with these short lines in the same manner as you would widows and orphans at the bottom or top of text columns:

• editing/automatic software controls
• tightening text
• loosening text