TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: MINIMUM FONT SIZE FOR READABILITY From:Jacque Foreman <foremangraphics -at- juno -dot- com> To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com Date:Fri, 6 Feb 2004 07:56:47 -0800
From the perspective of having been in the typesetting business for more
than 30 years, I have to agree that type size is not the sole arbiter of
readability. We've all seen the back side of insurance forms. At one time
it was stated that the smallest type for that industry must be 10pt.
Well, Universe was created, and their 10pt was roughly equivalent to
8.5pt of most of the types that had been previously used for such, and
then they screened it back to a light gray in addition.
And Goeff Hart has the right idea. Set up some pages by varying type
size, leading and column width and pass it around to your colleagues.
What they find most readable use. You have your argument right there.
This is research on those who are asking you to figure out what to do.
Have fun.
Happiness, joy & laughter
Jacque - Graphic Designer / Typesetter - Excellence by Design
since 1972 - Pen & Ink Renderings of homes & Bldgs. & portraits from
photos, Brochures, Ads, Flyers, Packaging, Business Forms, Manuscripts,
etc. - Amway Dealer - email: foremangraphics -at- juno -dot- com & @earthlink.net
Rendering Samples: http://www.abacus-es.com/foreman
On Thu, 5 Feb 2004 13:23:02 -0600 "Anna Langley"
<alangley -at- ts -dot- checkpoint -dot- com> writes:
>
> Dear Tech Writers:
>
> Can you point me to any research proving that printed text should
> not fall
> below a minimum font size? I've read some articles stating font
> size
> shouldn't go below 9 point for printed text. Other articles state
> it's a
> matter of page size. My team uses a smaller page size for its books
> (7 x
> 9.5"). Our maximum font size is 12 point (not including headings),
> and our
> minimum is 8 point. I'd like to make a case for increasing the
> minimum font
> size to improve readability, but I need research to back up my case.
> So I
> appreciate any resources you can point me to.
>
> Thanks very much.
>
> Anna Langley, Education Services
> Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
> alangley -at- ts -dot- checkpoint -dot- com
>
