Typography and Contrast: Making Your Brochures Readable

Skilled typographers use type to guide the reader, creating a flow from section to section of a work of print. Using type, you create a design that can either help or hinder reading. The following information will help you to use type in a way that increases readability and helps readers to notice and remember the information you want them to.

Size
One way to contrast your type is by varying its size. Use larger type for text you want to emphasize, such as with headings and subheadings, and small type for less important information. For instance, use 11pt type for the body and 10pt for anything that you need to include but do not necessarily need readers to remember.

Color
Draw attention to certain words by printing them in color. You can create a unique logo or heading by running all the words together and differentiating between them with a different color for each word. Print words you really want people to notice in red.

Keep your design cohesive; if you print one heading in blue, print all headings in blue. This will help guide readers through your brochure printing. For body text, always use black type on a white or very pale background; this combination has the most contrast and aids reading.

Weight
Differentiate between type by using different weights of the same font. Use bold for words you want to emphasize, regular for body text, and light for less important words.

Spacing
Use space to give contrast between areas of the page with text and without. Space is a powerful tool that you can use to create a natural flow in your brochure printing projects.

Fonts
You can also use different fonts to create contrast between text. Use one type for headings, another for body text, and possibly a third for your title. Do not use more than three fonts per project or your material will look too busy and confusing. Serif fonts are generally better to use for body text because they flow better and are easier to read than sans-serif fonts. Because sans-serif fonts slow the reader down, they are ideal for headings. Again, be consistent throughout your brochure printing layout.

Caps
Another way to contrast fonts is to put your headings in all caps and your body text in capital and lowercase. Do not put body text in all caps because it is difficult to read that way.

Booklet printing requires more text than many other marketing tools, so pay extra attention to the typography. Use contrast in your text and you will have a brochure that is easy to read. 
  
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About PrintPlace
PrintPlace is a collaboration between print professionals, designers and developers committed to delivering the best online printing experience. Boasting the industry's most powerful and flexible quote tool, PrintPlace has engineered a unique workflow process that guarantees end-to-end color management. PrintPlace operates two printing facilities in Arlington and Fort Worth, Texas with plans to add a third in north Texas soon. To learn more about PrintPlace, visit its website at www.printplace.com.
  

Online Printing > Articles Home > Graphic Design > Typography and Contrast: Making Your Brochures Readable