Typography & layout Questions
Type, margins, columns and readable print design.
20 answers in this topic. Select a question for its dedicated reference page.
01What font size is readable in print?
Body text often falls around 9–12 pt, depending on typeface, paper and audience.
02What are points versus pixels?
Points are physical type units: 72 points per inch. Pixel size depends on resolution.
03How many points are in an inch?
There are 72 typographic points in one inch.
04What margins suit A4?
15–25 mm is a practical start for many documents; bound pages need a larger inner margin.
05What is a gutter?
Space between columns or near binding that keeps content clear and readable.
06How wide should a text column be?
About 45–75 characters per line is a common reading range.
07What line spacing should I use?
Start around 120–145% of font size, then adjust for typeface and column width.
08What is a baseline grid?
A repeated vertical rhythm for aligning text across columns and pages.
09Should text be RGB or CMYK?
Follow printer guidance. Small black text is often best as 100% black.
10Why does small text blur?
Low resolution, thin strokes or multi-ink registration can soften tiny text.
11What is a widow or orphan?
An isolated short last line or first line at a page or column edge.
12How do I set a booklet layout?
Set final page size, facing pages, margins and gutter; let the printer impose unless asked otherwise.
13Facing pages or single pages?
Facing pages show spreads; single pages are individual trim pages commonly supplied for print.
14Should I use ligatures?
They can improve appearance when the typeface supports them; inspect the final PDF.
15Tracking versus kerning?
Tracking changes spacing across text; kerning adjusts particular letter pairs.
16Can I use hairline rules?
Avoid extremely thin rules; they can disappear or vary by press and paper.
17How do QR codes print reliably?
Use vector art, preserve the quiet zone, avoid tiny output and scan a proof.
18What size should a brochure file be?
Set finished trim first, then add printer bleed and safe margins.
19Why do margins change after binding?
Spine curvature reduces usable inside space, so inner margins need extra allowance.
20How do I make a readable poster?
Use hierarchy, large type, high contrast and short lines; test at viewing distance.