Layout Tips

This is a long, but very useful, page. Please study it.

When constructing layouts, these tips will help you build dynamic, interesting, and on-brand compositions with typography.

While these rules are proven and sound, sometimes breaking them is the right call.

1. Stay Left-Aligned, Rag Right

Legibility and clarity are vitally important to great typographical layouts. Since most people read from left to right, we should align our type accordingly.

2. Skip Weights & Double Size

Contrast is the name of the game when it comes to great design. When in doubt, skip a weight when pairing two weights, and double the size between two text elements.

3. Align X-Heights or Baselines

Whenever you place text next to each other, either align the baselines (the line that the bottom of a lowercase x sits on) or align the x-heights (the top of a lowercase x). This helps align each line visually.

4. Watch The Rag

When setting paragraphs, keep an eye on the right (ragged) edge. If the rag unintentionally creates a recognizable shape, consider tweaking the language or resizing the container. Also, try to prevent single-word lines (orphans).

5. Give Things Space, If Needed

Negative space, or the space around elements is vitally important. That being said, if informational elements belong together, move them closer together. Use grouping wisely: just try not to cram too many things in one space!

6. Keep Line Length Reasonable

It is easy for the user to get lost in long lines of text, and short ones are easily ignored. It’s best to keep lines between 45 and 70 characters long, depending on the size of the font. This will ensure legibility as the font sizes increase or decrease.