Dig imag unit 4 module 1 learning about type fonts and properties[2]
- 1. WD133: Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties Type In order to create dynamic images that effectively communicate a message, it is important for designers to understand some key terminology.
- 2. Readability Readability is related to how the type is arranged. Readability is affected by point size, leading, line length, alignment, letter- spacing, and word-spacing. Paragraphs of text, similar to paragraphs in a textbook or a novel, are meant to be read for comprehension, and focus must be placed on readability. This emphasis ensures that the eyes do not tire and that the formatting of the copy does not distract a person from the meaning of the text. The color and texture of the type selected will also affect the readability and message conveyed. Display of red text on a black background is considered striking, eye- catching, and readable. White body copy on a black background can add contrast. However, the designer must watch out for strokes that are too thin. WD133: Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties
- 3. Legibility Legibility refers to the typeface design. This element includes the size of the counters, the x-height, the size of ascenders and descenders, the character shape and angles, stroke contrast, serifs or the lack of serifs, and the weight. These features help distinguish one letter from another. A headline on a poster is meant to capture attention and immediately convey a feeling. Legibility, though necessary, is not always the highest priority. Script, calligraphic, and hand-written fonts are used in both display and body copy applications. Although they can convey elegance, formality, or individualist messaging, the legibility can be poor, and they can be difficult to read. WD133: Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties
- 4. Leading The spacing between the lines of type is known as leading. This term relates to the times when type was set manually and thin strips of lead were placed between the rows to increase the spacing. Tight leading—10 point type size on 11 point leading, read as 10-on-11 and written as 10/11—is supposed to be more difficult to read. A 10/12 is more standard, but the ideal leading always depends on the typeface characteristics. Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties
- 5. Kerning Spacing between two characters is known as kerning. Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties
- 6. Tracking Spacing between all the characters in a line is known as tracking. If letters are too close, they are said to be set tight; if they are set too far apart, they are said to be open or loose. Many designers do not focus on proper and consistent character spacing, a clear message to the client that the designer is not experienced. Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties
- 7. Justified Text Word spacing is a tool used when aligning text so that the beginning of a line and the end of the line align with the left and right column edges, respectively. This is known as justified text. Too much word spacing can lead to large, annoying word spaces that can lead to rivers. Rivers occur when the spaces between words line up top to bottom in a paragraph. More than three line ups in a row decreases readability because attention is drawn to the river that results instead of the reading process. Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties
- 8. White Space White space is a term used to define the cramped or crowded look of a headline, paragraph of text, or an entire layout. Recall the saying “less is more.” Try to leave space on a page to create effect and emphasize the text. It also helps with the flow of the reader’s eye. A good test for white space is to turn the completed job upside down and look at the design at arms length. This move restricts the brain from reading the text and forces it to just look at the design elements and the weighting and positioning of each. Is the leading too small? Is the line length too long? Is the point size too big or too text-heavy? If the answer is in the affirmative for any of these questions, the white space may not be enough or the layout may be too packed. Digital Imaging Unit 4: Working with Type Module 1: Learning about Type Fonts and Properties