Typography: it's all about readability

Definitions

Typeface: is a set of typographical symbols and characters. These include numbers, letters and glyphs.

Font: a complete character set within a typeface. Computer files containing typefaces are also known as fonts.

Type families: a group of typefaces with related design.

Example: the typeface used here is Source Sans Pro. It includes a series of 12 fonts  in two classes (weight and italic) and varying in thickness from black (very thick) to extra light.

Source Sans Pro Bold

Source Sans Pro Semibold Italic

Source Sans Pro Light

Source Sans Pro Extra light Italic

What is typography?

Typography can be described as the art of arranging letters (type) to make written language appealing to the eye. The goal is to produce an easily readable flow of text that facilitates recognition, retention and learning.

Reading should be effortless - that's what good typography achieves.

Arranging type

Computer programmes with word-processing options offer Type Tools to aid in the arrangement processs: Included are options to select:

• typefaces (fonts)
• size (measured in points)
• line spacing (leading)
• line length
• letter spacing (tracking)
• kerning (adjusting space between letter pairs)

Read me

Hello Reader!

Fancy fonts are fine but make sure you use them only as headings, to decorate, underscore a mood or to convey meaning. Sensible serif or sans-serif typefaces work best for body text (see classification): they are much kinder to the eyes, are readable and allow the screen reader to concentrate fully on reading.

You do want your audience to understand and assimilate your message, don't you?

Typeface Classification

Typefaces are classified according to technical style: serif, sans serif, script, display, etc. or
technical specifications such as monospaced versus proportional.

Classification can also be based on the mood a typeface creates.

Serif:

typefaces with serifs (little "feet" attached to the main strokes).
Widely used in print newspapers and for online body text.

Sans-serif:

sans-serif typefaces lack serifs and make for good legibility.

Script:

fluild letterforms based on handwriting. Script typefaces are most often used in very elegant design.
Good for headlines, unsuitable for body text.

Display, decorative:

a broad class of typefaces designed for decorative purposes and unsuited to body text.

1. Do select readable fonts for body text
2. Don't use more than 2 - 3 fonts
3. Do use fonts that work well together
4. Don't use a Western Font to describe
   French Cuisine - fonts convey meaning
5. Don't make the text too small
6. Do limit text to 60 characters per line
7. Don't use caps continously
8. Don't center all your body text
9. Do parcel your text in smaller blocks
10. Do use bullet points or numbering
11. Do use headlines, sub-headlines and paragraphs
12. Do leave some space between text blocks
    and other elements
13. Do ensure enough contrast between text
    and background colour
14. Don't underline - that's reserved for links
15. Do read up on typography

Tip

Muse comes with Typekit integrated, a great resource for a large collection of web fonts. Click on the type tool and open the typeface panel or field. Choose add web font from the menu to access Typekit. Browse through the fonts to add to the type collection. The font is ready for use after adding.

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