Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
exceptionally open and others that are extremely dense. The variations in width and size here show
gains and losses in desirable spacing, text size, and hyphenation.
Example of a paragraph showing a desirable rag (left), and two paragraphs whose rags are frought
with problems: the rag is either too deep or active; shows sharp inclusions of negative space and
protrusions of long lines; a contour with a noticeable shape; or irregular width overall from top to
bottom.
A ragged edge is considered appropriate for a given paragraph setting if it varies within a fifth to
a seventh of the paragraph's width. A much more active rag, however, also is visually interesting;
the designer must, however, ensure that the rag throughout the project remains consistent in its
activity, rather than changing from page to page or even from column to column. The more active
the rag—meaning, the greater the difference between short and long lines—the more attention is
