Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
An appropriate line length is essential for achieving a pleasant reading rhythm, allowing a reader to relax and
concentrate on the content of the words. Overly short or long lines will tire a reader. Excess energy is expended when
reading long lines, and it is difficult to find the next line. A short column measure requires the eye to change lines too
often, and there is an inadequate supply of horizontal perceptual cues.
3-12
Type size, line length, and interline
spacing
Critical to spatial harmony and legibility is an
understanding of the triadic relationship of
type size, line length, and interline spacing.
When properly employed, these variables can
improve the legibility of even poorly designed
letterforms, or enhance the legibility of those
forms considered highly legible.
It is difficult to generalize about which
sizes of type should be used, how long lines
should be, or how much space should be
inserted between lines. These decisions are
based upon comparative judgments. The
guidelines discussed in this section can
never replace the type designer's sensitively
trained eye for typographic detail. The normal
reading distance for most printed matter is
from twelve to fourteen inches, a fact to be
kept in mind when making decisions about
type size, since it affects the way in which a
specific type size is perceived.
Text type that is too small or too large
makes reading difficult. Small type reduces
visibility by destroying counterforms, which
affect word recognition, while large type can
force a reader to perceive type in sections
rather than as a whole. According to legibility
research, the most legible sizes of text type
at normal reading distances range from 9 to
12 point. This range results from the wide
variation of x-height in different typefaces.
That is, when typefaces of the same point
size are placed side by side, they may appear
to be different sizes because their x-heights
vary radically. This is important to keep in
mind when selecting typefaces and sizes.
An interesting comparison is the
relationship between Univers 55 and
Baskerville. Univers 55 has a very large
x-height, with short ascenders and
descenders. It appears much larger than
Baskerville set in the same size, which has
a smaller x-height and large ascenders and
descenders. (See the type specimens in
Chapter 13.)
Type sizes larger than 12 point may
require more fixation pauses, making reading
uncomfortable and inefficient. A fixation
pause occurs when the eye stops on a line of
type during reading, actually perceiving the
meaning of groups of words. When there are
fewer fixation pauses, there is greater reading
efficiency and comprehension. When text type
is smaller than 9 point, internal patterns can
break down, destroying legibility. The reading
audience is also a major consideration. For
example, children learning to read need large
type sizes in simple formats, as do adults with
poor eyesight.
An appropriate line length is essential
for achieving a pleasant reading rhythm,
allowing a reader to relax and concentrate
on the content of the words. Overly short or
long lines will tire a reader. Excess energy is
expended when reading long lines, and it is
difficult to find the next line. A short column
measure requires the eye to change lines too
often, and there is an inadequate supply of
horizontal perceptual cues. Compare the
legibility of this paragraph with the legibility
of Figures 3-12 and 3-13 .
Certainly, every typographic problem has
its own legibility requirements. The following
data can serve as a point of departure in
determining how to create legible typography.
Line length is dependent upon both the size of
type and the amount of space between lines.
When working with the optimum sizes of 9-,
10-, 11-, and 12-point text type, a maximum
of ten to twelve words (or sixty to seventy
characters) per line would be acceptable. This
would equal a line length of approximately 18
to 24 picas. An optimum line length for the
average 10-point type is 19 picas.
An appropriate line
length is essential
for achieving a
pleasant reading
rhythm, allowing a
reader to relax and
concentrate on the
content of the words.
Overly short or
long lines will tire a
reader. Excess energy
is expended when
reading long lines,
and it is difficult to
find the next line.
A short column
measure requires the
eye to change lines
too often, and there
is an inadequate
supply of horizontal
perceptual cues.
3-13
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