Abstracts » Publishing industry

Type on display

Article Abstract:

Display types, as opposed to text types, are those that stand out from the rest and demand attention. They are not always meant to be read. Instead, their design often is the message itself. Renee Lewinter, author of 'Directory of Evocative Typography' and one of the designers of Agfa Compugraphic's Garth Graphic typeface, categorizes display type on the basis of: likely emotional response; appropriate uses; subject matter; and type categories. Typeface selection, however, remains a subjective process that is subject to personal preferences. It may not be practical to use trendy, stylish types, which are likely to be outdated within months, on material that will be used for a long time, such as a brochure. Display faces also are not usually used in smaller than 14 points. The two basic rules for using display type are: be bold and exercise restraint. Display type must be large and prominent and exaggerated f for optimal effectiveness. At the same time, display type must not be set too tightly or piled on top of each other. Readability is not the foremost function of display type but readers must be given the option of reading it.

Commercial art and graphic design, Font Package

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A kern for the better

Article Abstract:

Kerning, the process of adjusting letter spacing, is an important consideration in typesetting. It is something people doing page layout in a desktop publishing program should consider. Many TrueType and PostScript typefaces have automatic kerning built into certain letter combinations, and the best programs include kerning that is appropriate to different type sizes. Type can be loosened or tightened to make it more readable and give it the look of a professional type. Desktop publishing programs such as Ventura Publisher, QuarkXPress and Aldus PageMaker allow users to manipulate kerning manually. In addition there are several kerning programs for Macintosh, including Kern-Rite, KernEdit, The Kerning Palette, and LetrTuck, which is the only kerning program available for IBM-compatible microcomputers.

Methods, Desktop publishing software, Typesetting, Layout, DTP Software, Kerning

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Putting multiple masters to work

Article Abstract:

The multiple master scalable-font technology developed by Adobe Systems are slowly gaining interest among type designers, though Adobe's Myriad and Minion Multiple Master are the only multiple master font products yet available. Multiple master font technology enables letters to be condensed or enlarged without distortion. Unfortunately, the fonts use 'bizarre' naming conventions and have a cumbersome user interface that makes it hard to design fonts as well as teach persons how to use the technology. To create a font for a specific design goal, a new instance must be made, but trials and errors may yield an excess number of new instances. More large font vendors are developing multiple master fonts, while some smaller type shops are developing new applications of the technology.

Product information, Adobe Systems Inc., ADBE, Utilization, Scalable Fonts, Myriad (Computer font), Minion Multiple Master (Computer font)

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