Document EtiquetteDocument Etiquette

White spaceWhite space

An essential design elementAn essential design element

Should balance text and graphicsShould balance text and graphics

Allows readers to digest what is being Allows readers to digest what is being communicatedcommunicated

Carries as much weight in a layout Carries as much weight in a layout as a graphicas a graphic

Font SizeFont Size

Should be easy to readShould be easy to read

Standard for main text is 12 pt. Standard for main text is 12 pt.

Font TypesFont Types

Serif:Serif: a more traditional font typeset originally a more traditional font typeset originally credited to the Romans.credited to the Romans.

i.e.. Times New Romani.e.. Times New Roman

Made word blocks appear more uniform Made word blocks appear more uniform before digitized printing came around.before digitized printing came around.

Font Types Font Types (con’t.)(con’t.)

Sans Serif: Sans Serif: a more contemporary typeseta more contemporary typeset

i.e. Ariali.e. Arial

Eliminates “visual noise” for smaller font Eliminates “visual noise” for smaller font sizes.sizes.

Font StylesFont Styles

More than More than 2 font styles2 font styles is too muchis too much of a good thingof a good thing!!

Decorative fontsDecorative fonts should only be used should only be used as titles or headers.as titles or headers.

Don’t Don’t overbold overbold or or overitalicize; overitalicize; Bo-o-oringBo-o-oring

SpacingSpacing

Short paragraphs:Short paragraphs:

Are conciseAre concise

Help the reader quickly find detailsHelp the reader quickly find details

Should be used under subheadingsShould be used under subheadings

Spacing Spacing (con’t)(con’t)

Alignment brings order to chaosAlignment brings order to chaosAlign paragraphs consistentlyAlign paragraphs consistently

Keep vertical lines in mindKeep vertical lines in mind– Pleasingly align text and graphics with white spacePleasingly align text and graphics with white space

Sentences should be at least 1.5 lines apartSentences should be at least 1.5 lines apart– More for younger audiencesMore for younger audiences

LayoutLayout

Be consistentBe consistent

Know the audience and their needsKnow the audience and their needs

Use call out boxesUse call out boxes Did you know…A Call Out box draws

readers attention

ResourcesResources

http://www.gooddocuments.com/techniques/techniqueshome.htm

http://www.ossweb.com/articles.html

http://desktoppub.about.com/