Since the advent of graphical user interfaces, which brought word processors with a variety of fonts, virtually anyone with a computer has had the ability to customize their typography. This shift, for the most part, has been a positive development. Imagine the inefficiency of requiring trained professionals to manually set type for every school report, office party invitation, or missing pet poster.
However, Microsoft Word does not come with a comprehensive guide to typography, nor does it incorporate any inherent design sensibility. Consequently, users often uncritically adopt Microsoft’s conventions without realizing the centuries of typographic principles that professionals adhere to today.
For designers well-versed in typography, this article may not offer new insights, but it aims to educate clients about common myths and errors in everyday typography. Let’s address a few typographic practices that are often perpetuated by non-designers.
Firstly, there is no need for double spaces after periods. This convention, which originated with the typewriter in the late 1800s, became popular due to the use of monospaced fonts, where a single word space was not wide enough to separate sentences effectively. Today, with proportional fonts that assign appropriate horizontal space to each character, double spacing is unnecessary and can be visually distracting.
Capitalizing the first word of a sentence is standard practice, but some mistakenly capitalize all headers in Title Case, a style that resembles camel case and can detract from readability. Historically, capitalizing important words was a Germanic tendency, leading to confusing titling rules. However, modern publishers often opt for sentence case for easier reading.
Justified text, which was once favored for its symmetry, is not always the best choice for readability. While justified text may appear more uniform, it can create rivers of white space that hinder legibility. Left-aligned text, on the other hand, is often more readable and serves the purpose of typography—clear communication.
When it comes to line spacing, Microsoft Word’s shift from the term “leading” to “line space” and the use of vague units can be confusing. It’s important to use the correct terminology and understand the principles behind typography to facilitate better communication between designers and clients.
The application of bold and italics in word processing software also raises questions about the underlying concept of typography. By reducing these styles to simple buttons, users may not fully appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in creating them. It’s crucial to respect the typographic profession and the importance of using the correct fonts.
Fantasy fonts, while visually appealing, should be used judiciously. The choice of a typeface should complement the text’s mood and convey the intended message without overwhelming the reader. Subtlety is key in typography, and it’s important to avoid communicating unintended messages through font choice.
In conclusion, this article highlights several gripes with layman’s typography. While not exhaustive, it aims to raise awareness of common issues and promote better understanding and appreciation of typography in design.
