100 Design Principles for Working with Type

Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. Type can be used to create a variety of effects, from simple text to complex designs. When working with type, it is important to consider a number of factors, including the font, the size, the color, and the spacing. By following a few simple principles, you can create effective and visually appealing typography.

1. Choose the Right Font

The first step to working with type is to choose the right font. The font should be legible, readable, and appropriate for the desired effect. There are many different fonts to choose from, so it is important to take some time to browse and find the one that best suits your needs.

Typography Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type

by Ina Saltz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41385 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

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Consider the following factors when choosing a font:

• Legibility: The font should be easy to read. Avoid fonts with complex shapes or thin lines.
• Readability: The font should be easy to read for extended periods of time. Avoid fonts with small or tightly spaced letters.
• Appropriateness: The font should be appropriate for the desired effect. For example, a serif font may be more appropriate for a formal document, while a sans-serif font may be more appropriate for a casual document.

2. Use the Right Size

The size of the type is also important. The type should be large enough to be easily read, but not so large that it becomes overwhelming. The size of the type should also be consistent throughout the document.

Consider the following factors when choosing the size of the type:

• Legibility: The type should be large enough to be easily read. The recommended minimum font size for body text is 12 points.
• Readability: The type should be small enough to be read for extended periods of time without causing eye strain. The recommended maximum font size for body text is 14 points.
• Consistency: The size of the type should be consistent throughout the document. This will help to create a unified and cohesive look.

3. Use the Right Color

The color of the type is also important. The color should be easy to read and should not be too distracting. The color of the type should also be consistent with the overall design of the document.

Consider the following factors when choosing the color of the type:

• Legibility: The color of the type should be easy to read. Avoid using light colors on dark backgrounds, or dark colors on light backgrounds.
• Distraction: The color of the type should not be too distracting. Avoid using bright colors or colors that clash with the other elements of the design.
• Consistency: The color of the type should be consistent with the overall design of the document. This will help to create a unified and cohesive look.

4. Use the Right Spacing

The spacing of the type is also important. The type should be spaced evenly and should not be too crowded or too spread out. The spacing of the type should also be consistent throughout the document.

Consider the following factors when spacing the type:

• Legibility: The type should be spaced evenly to make it easy to read. Avoid crowding the type or spacing it too far apart.
• Readability: The type should be spaced to make it easy to read for extended periods of time. Avoid spacing the type too tightly or too loosely.
• Consistency: The spacing of the type should be consistent throughout the document. This will help to create a unified and cohesive look.

5. Use a Variety of Typefaces

Using a variety of typefaces can help to create a more interesting and visually appealing document. However, it is important to use typefaces that are compatible with each other. Avoid using too many different typefaces, as this can make the document look cluttered and confusing.

Consider the following factors when using a variety of typefaces:

• Compatibility: The typefaces should be compatible with each other. Avoid using typefaces that are too similar or too different.
• Number: Avoid using too many different typefaces. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than three different typefaces in a single document.
• Hierarchy: The typefaces should be used to create a hierarchy of information. For example, the headline could be set in a larger and bolder typeface, while the body text could be set in a smaller and lighter typeface.

6. Use Contrast

Contrast can be used to create emphasis and to highlight important information. Contrast can be created by using different fonts, sizes, colors, and spacing. However, it is important to use contrast sparingly. Too much contrast can make the document look cluttered and confusing.

Consider the following factors when using contrast:

• Emphasis: Contrast can be used to create emphasis. For example, the headline could be set in a larger and bolder typeface than the body text.
• Highlighting: Contrast can be used to highlight important information. For example, a key

Typography Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type

by Ina Saltz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41385 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE