Typography

The use of text can play an important role in the ease of use and comprehension of your website. Some important factors to consider are:

• The column width for optimum reading should be between 39 to 52 characters.
• The minimum font type for body text should be 9, while the maximum should be 14.
• Use familiar fonts.
• When using different type fonts make sure that they are very different.
• Do not use all caps for body text or with very decorative fonts.
• Emphasize importance by changing font characteristics.
• Use bold text sparingly.
• Do not use different methods to highlight the same information on one page.
• Insert horizontal lines instead of underlining to avoid cutting through letters such as "g" or "j."
• Do not hyphenate words on more than two consecutive lines.
• Don't use centered text with short lines.
• Make sure indents are very visible using extra spaces to do so if necessary.
• Wrap text around images and pictures.
• Format common text items consistently.
• Always have someone proofread your work.
• Don't leave orphans or widows.
  • Orphans- one word alone at the top of a paragraph or column.
  • Widows- single word at the end of a paragraph or column.