A lot of professional typesetting tips are there that you hear too often from people in the industry. However, few are there about which even the best professionals are least aware of. For typesetting your copy in the best manner, a lot of factors needs consideration. Even psychology analysis of targets help.
To make a copy legible and enticing for your readers, typesetting doubtlessly plays a crucial role. Tracking back a copy for making it fit into a single page can make the whole thing appear untidy and illegible which should not happen. Some of the least discussed but effective digital typesetting rules are brought together here.
Similarity of words
In case if unfamiliar words or complex concepts are being illustrated with writing, it is advisable to make the tracking reasonably wider. Understanding of unfamiliar words and the speed of reading are affected adversely when they are shrunk. Typesetting companies keep this mind and provide enough space in such a context.
Text size
The latest studies made in visual science, the typefaces spacing by default is just big enough for removing letter crowding impact. This is not so when the type sizes are smaller. To maintain clarity of letters and to ensure easier comprehension of words for reduced typefaces, wider tracking is suggested; it is one of the mandatory typesetting rules when the typeface is below 12 pt.
For larger sizes, readability of words, as well as comprehension, are enhanced by wider tracking. Science explains the reason of the same as lesser crowding in retinal display and lesser struggle in the visual cortex of brain for the understanding process.
Serifs
Serifs are capable of carrying eye’s horizontal line long the reading path facilitating easier reading. When shrunk, the readability is affected and the characters appear to merge. By this, quick identification of letters is hindered and the comprehension process is decelerated. Because of the said reason, with condensed spacing, serif fonts are affected more than the sans serif fonts. So, typesetting design should be done while keeping this factor also in mind.
Rhythm
The perception behind reading process always have a preference for inputs at a continuous pace. Eyes of a reader subconsciously and involuntarily adapts to its conduct and arrangements to get familiarised to different word tracking as well as text rhythm.
Typography should ideally be focused towards constructing text layout for hooking the attention of reader and facilitating a rhythmic and regular eye movement and pace. For complementing the said rhythm, text justified left is preferred. Also be careful when it comes to line widows and orphans, rivers of white, dirty edges and hanging quotes.
Also read more about typesetting process.
A typesetting service provider should have professionals who are not just technically sound. An expert in the niche should be creatively inclined and must be able to get into the reader’s shoes and analyze the readability matters critically. Countless companies claim to offer unsurpassed class of superior typesetting services in India. As aforesaid, it is not a cup of tea for all. So, make your selection carefully.
