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The ABCs of Typography: A Comprehensive Guide to Type Design and Typography Techniques

Jake Carter

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Published in ABC Of Typography (Non Fiction SelfMadeHero)

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Typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable and appealing when displayed. It involves the selection, arrangement, and modification of typefaces, point size, line length, line spacing, letter spacing (tracking),and other aspects of type in order to achieve a specific effect.

Type Design

Type design is the art and process of designing typefaces. A typeface is a set of characters that share a common design. Typefaces are typically classified into four main categories: serif, sans-serif, script, and decorative.

ABC of Typography (Non-Fiction - SelfMadeHero)

by Mark Bergin

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	227326 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	121 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Serif typefaces have small lines (called serifs) at the ends of the strokes that make up the letters. Serif typefaces are often considered to be more readable and elegant than sans-serif typefaces.
Sans-serif typefaces do not have serifs. Sans-serif typefaces are often considered to be more modern and clean than serif typefaces.
Script typefaces mimic handwriting. Script typefaces are often used for decorative purposes.
Decorative typefaces are designed for a specific purpose, such as display or advertising. Decorative typefaces are often more elaborate than other types of typefaces.

Typography Techniques

Typography techniques are the methods used to arrange and modify type in order to achieve a specific effect. Some of the most common typography techniques include:

Line length: The length of a line of type affects its readability. Lines that are too long can be difficult to read, while lines that are too short can be choppy and distracting.
Line spacing: The amount of space between lines of type affects its readability and appearance. Lines that are too close together can be difficult to read, while lines that are too far apart can be distracting.
Letter spacing (tracking): The amount of space between letters affects the readability and appearance of type. Letters that are too close together can be difficult to read, while letters that are too far apart can be distracting.
Type size: The size of type affects its readability and prominence. Large type is more prominent and easier to read than small type.
Type style: The style of type affects its appearance and readability. Bold type is more prominent and easier to read than regular type. Italic type is often used for emphasis.

Font Classification

Fonts are classified into two main categories: serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts have small lines (called serifs) at the ends of the strokes that make up the letters. Sans-serif fonts do not have serifs.

There are many different types of serif and sans-serif fonts. Some of the most common serif fonts include:

Georgia
Times New Roman
Palatino
Garamond

Some of the most common sans-serif fonts include:

Helvetica
Arial
Verdana
Calibri

Typography Terms

Here are some of the most common typography terms:

Baseline: The imaginary line on which the bottom of the letters in a line of type rests.
Body type: The type used in the main text of a document.
Cap height: The height of the capital letters in a typeface.
Descender: The part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline.
Font: A set of characters that share a common design.

ABC of Typography (Non-Fiction - SelfMadeHero)

by Mark Bergin

4.7 out of 5