PBA Front-End Programming

PBA Front-End Programming Fonts

Using Fonts • Why do we need to consider fonts…? • Make it as easy as possible for the user to read the textual content of a page • To convey feelings…

Using Fonts • Formal definitions: • A typeface: an artistic represen-tation of the characters, etc in the alphabet • A font: A typeface in a given size • However, terms are used interchangeably in digital publishing

Using Fonts • Size of fonts is traditionally measured in points • Not quite a standard measure – most common definition is • 1 point = 1/72 inch ≈ 0.35 mm • More rarely used is pica = 12 points • 1:1 match with ”older” screen resolutions (72dpi)

Using Fonts • Another important component is the space between subsequent lines • Often calling leading 18 pt. leading 12 pt. font

Using Fonts • Two main families of fonts • Serif (with ”feet”), aka Antikva • Sans Serif (without ”feet”), aka Grotesque

Using Fonts • Serif font are considered traditional fonts • Times (new) Roman • Purpose of Serifs (feet) to ”lead the eye” by creating an imaginary line • Debated… Hello there

Using Fonts • Sans Serif fonts (like this) have traditionally been used for short text, e.g. headlines • Are now generally accepted as the best choice for text on screen • Argument: Serifs tend to ”smear” on screens with traditional resolution (72 dpi) • Argument may outdate as screen resolutions improve…

Using Fonts • Choosing the right font for the job… • Make sure the content is readable • Choose fonts that match the general theme of the wesbite

Using Fonts • Make sure the content of a page is readable • The longer the text, the more ”neutral” the choice of font • For large bodies of text, stick with a variant of the main-stream Sans Serif fonts • For short texts like headlines, more freedom

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Using Fonts • The big question – how do we pick a font, that matches a certain theme or feeling…? • When is a font ”elegant” • When is a font ”funny” • When is a font ”scary” • No firm rules, use your common sense, and observe what others have done… • …and test your choice (usability)!

Using Fonts www.fontco.com

Using Fonts • What about font size…? • Books keep lines of text short (10 cm), to avoid reading fatigue • Modern screens are 30-40 cm wide… • Should we ”mimic” book layout by using larger fonts? • Screen geometry fundamentally different…

Using Fonts

Using Fonts • General tips on font size • Users like larger fonts than designers do • Use leading to increase readability – good choices are 10/12 and 12/14 • Ideally; design to allow the user to change the font size, screen geometry, etc (responsive design) • However, the far majority of users cannot be bothered to change default settings 

Using Fonts

PBA Front-End Programming