Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
“text size” will be legible. The oldstyle face Garamond, for example, will be difficult to read when
set at 9 points, while the sans serif Helvetica will seem gigantic.
Structure and Optics
Issues Related to Style
Mechanics of Text
Texture and Space
Type as Information
How Color Changes Type
Type Sizes and Spacing The drawing of a typeface has an impact on the perception of
its size. A sentence set in an oldstyle serif and a similar-weight sans serif at the same
point size will appear to be two different sizes. The discrepancy results from the sans
serif's larger x-height: its lower-case letters are larger in relation to the cap height than
those of the serif. The difference in set size and apparent size can vary as much as two
or three points, depending on the face. A sans-serif face such as Univers might be per-
fectly comfortable to read at a size of 9 points, but an oldstyle such as Garamond Three
at that size will appear tiny and difficult to read. Setting the Garamond at 11 or 12 points
will make it more legible as well as make it appear the same size as the Univers. Set-
ting type smaller or larger than the optimal reading size for text also has an impact on
spacing. Comfortable and efficient reading of long texts, such as topics, newspapers, or
journals, takes place when the type size ranges between 9 points and 14 points—the tex-
ture of the type is a uniform gray and the letterforms are small enough that their details
are not perceived as distinct visual elements. Optimal spacing at reading size means that
the strokes and counterforms are evenly alternating. As type is decreased in size, the
letterspace must be increased to allow the eye to separate the letters for clarity. At the
other extreme, the space between letters must be decreased as the type size increases
beyond reading size.
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