Rules of Type
Over the centuries, typographic guidelines have been developed to provide consistency and competency within the profession, to preserve the beauty and legibility of typographic form, and to ensure that typography functions as often mandated: to clearly represent the thoughts of the author. The following rules are not absolute of definitive, but they are representatives of a sturdy, time-tested collection of typographic guidelines. These rules provide a critical foundation for informed and responsible practice.
1. For optimum legibility, choose classical, time-tested typefaces with a proven track record.
2. Be mindful not use too many typefaces at any one time.
3. Avoid combining typefaces that are too similar in appearance.
4. Text set in all capital letters severely retards reading. Use upper- and lower-case letters
for optimum readability.
for optimum readability.
5. For text type, use sizes that according to legibility studies prove most readable.
6. Avoid using too many different type sizes and weights at the same time.
7. Use text types of book weight. Avoid typefaces appearing too heavy or too light.
8. Use typefaces of medium width. Avoid typefaces that appear extremely wide
or narrow in width.
or narrow in width.
9. For text type, use consistent letter and word spacing to produce an even,
uninterrupted texture.
uninterrupted texture.
10. Use appropriate line lengths. Lines that are too short or too long disrupt
the reading process.
the reading process.
11. For text type, use line spacing that easily carries the eye from one line to the next.
12. For optimum readability, use a flush left, ragged right type alignment.
13. Strive for consistent rhythmic rags.
14. Clearly indicate paragraphs, but be careful not to upset the integrity and visual consistency
of the text.
of the text.
15. Avoid widows and orphans whenever possible.
16. Emphasize elements within text with discretion and without disturbing the flow of reading.
17. Always maintain the integrity of type. Avoid arbitrarily stretching letters.
18. Always align letters and words on the baseline.
19. When working with type and color, ensure that sufficient contrast exists between type
and its background.
and its background.
