Term
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Definition
| The ability to distinguish individual letters |
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Term
| What makes a typeface more legible and why? |
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Definition
A large x-height - It increases the negative space within each letter. Shapes are more discernable
Large Counters - When a typeface has large counters, it is easier to distinguish the shape of individual letters.
Simple Letterforms/designs - The simpler the letterform, the more legible it is. San serifs are more legible than serifs because they do not have serifs interfering with the shapes of the ltters. |
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Term
| Which is better for print and for screen? Serif or non serif? |
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Definition
| Serif is considered more readible on print. San serif is best for the screen. Nearly all print media, newspapers, books, etc use SERIF fonts. |
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Term
| Name some common type faces that are considered legible. |
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Definition
| Helvetica, Novarese, New Century Schoolbook, Cheltenham, Times New Roman, Gill Sans, and Baskerville |
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Term
| What is readability? What is readability dependent on? What factors affect readability? |
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Definition
Refers to the ease with witch a reader can scan over paragraphs of type. Readability is dependent on the manipulation or handling of type.
A highly legible typeface can be made unreadable by poor typographic design.
Factors that affect readability include: line lengths, point size, leading, type face selection, spacing, type alignment, and background. |
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Term
| What is a reasonable type size range for body text? |
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Definition
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Term
| What was one keep in mind when choosing type size? |
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Definition
| Purpose (headers), and audience (age). Elderly readers may need a larger point size. |
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Term
| When choosing line length, what must you avoid and why? |
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Definition
| Very short or long lines - They disrupt the reader's rhythm, making text harder to read. Short lines can also create "rivers" if using the justified alignment. |
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Term
| Why are very long lines inadvisable? |
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Definition
| Long lines disrupt reading. When eyes get tired, they are no longer able to find the beginning of the next line of type. |
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Term
| How might one find an ideal line length? |
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Definition
An ideal line length can be estimated by doubling the point size with the result in picas (Points >> Picas). EX: 12 point type should have a line length of 24 picas (or four inches)
Or you may go by making lines no longer than an alphabet and a half, or about 39-45 letters. Some say to go about 50-75 letters. |
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Term
| Which can tolerate longer line lengths, serif or non-serif? |
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Definition
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Term
| How many words per line is advisable for a serif typeface? |
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Definition
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Term
| How many words per line is advisable for a sans serif typeface? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is one way you can check for excessive word spaces? |
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Definition
| Turn the page upside down and squint at it. Excessively large word spaces will stand out. |
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Term
| When typing in reverse for a headline (white text on black background), which is more readable? Serif or sans serif? |
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Definition
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Term
| When determining leading for prolonged reading, what is advised? |
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Definition
| Text for prolonged reading should have wider leading. |
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Term
| When is it advisable to use tighter leading? |
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Definition
| When only a small piece of information needs to be read (directory) |
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Term
| What is a guideline for determining line spacing/leading? |
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Definition
| The ideal line space is considered to be 120% of the point size. EX: 10 point type would be set with 12 point leading. |
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Term
| What is negative leading? When might you use negative leading? |
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Definition
When the point size is greater than the leading.
When using all uppercase letters, or lowercase letters without descenders. |
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Term
| When might you use more leading? |
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Definition
Long lines (14+ words).
Typefaces with large x-heights
Heavy/dark typefaces
Thick/thin contrast type.
Sans serif typefaces
Reversed type (white text on black bg) |
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Term
| When might you use less leading? |
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Definition
Short lines (8 words or less)
Typefaces with small x-heights
Light typefaces (EX: baskerville)
Large amounts of copy in small spaces. |
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Term
| Which two alignments are considered the most readable? |
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Definition
| Justified and flush left because they both provide a straight left margin for the reader to return to. |
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Term
| When dealing with a long portion of text, which alignments are inadvisable? |
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Definition
| Centered and flush right/ragged left |
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Term
| Why are serifs more readable in print? |
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Definition
| Serifs make the letters flow together, and subsequently easier on the eyes. |
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Term
| Serif fonts are used for readability or legibility? |
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Definition
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Term
| Sans serif fonts are used for readability ore legibility? |
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Definition
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Term
| In print, sans serif fonts are often used for _______, while serif fonts are used for _______ |
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Definition
| In print, sans serif fonts are often used for headlines, while serif fonts are used for the body text |
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Term
| In terms of comprehension, what were the results of a test of three fonts in print, two serifs (Garamond and Times New Roman), and one sans serif (Helvetica)? What is the conclusion? |
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Definition
66% were able to comprehend Garamond, 31.5% Times New Roman, and 12.5% Helvetica.
Serif fonts are easier to read on paper. |
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Term
| What are the three most legible fonts for the screen? |
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Definition
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Term
| What font (for the screen) was most preferred at 10 point size? Which one was least preferred? |
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Definition
| Most: Verdana Least: Times New Roman |
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Term
| What font (for the screen) was most preferred at 12 point size? Which one was least preferred? |
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Definition
| Most: Arial Least: Times New Roman |
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Term
| For easiest online reading, what typestyles are recommended? |
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Definition
| Use arial 12 pt or larger. |
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Term
| What font should you use for the web if your size is less than 12 pts? |
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Definition
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Term
| What font should you use for the web if you're after a formal look? |
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Definition
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Term
| What size should you use for older readers on the web? |
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Definition
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