Essentials of Easy to Read Typography

This week’s Design Tip

Many of us first learned how to type on a typewriter. Unfortunately, back then, the fonts used were monospaced so we had to add extra spacing to differentiate one element from another.

With the advent of computers and the changes in technology, typography has come a long way. Professional level typography is a few rules away.

We now have accents, symbols and punctuation that were just not possible on the typewriter.

The 3 Essentials for effective typography on the computer:

1. NEVER use 2 spaces after any punctuation
2. Don’t use more than 3-4 fonts on a page.
3. Always use the proper punctuation, symbols, and accents.

C O N C L U S I O N :

I equate good typography to the foundation of a house. You never notice a “good” foundation, but you immediately know when it isn’t!

Likewise, you never notice good typography, unfortunately. You just know when it looks right.

Bad typography, on the other hand, is immediately noticeable. It looks strange, very sloppy, and unprofessional.

Take the time and learn the rules for setting effective type and watch as the response increases.

Related posts:

1. How typography has changed since the typewriter
2. Not following typography rules will cost you readers
3. “Special characters” in your design life
4. Is readability key? If no one can read it, is it still well designed?
5. Typography Rules