Type Definitions

1. absolute measurement- measurements of fixed values. i.e points, picas, millimeters
2. relative measurement- measurements linked to type size i.e type size, em, en, leading
3. point- the type size of a font
4. pica- unit of measurement in a layout. typically between each element it is, 24.
5. em (and em dash)- it is a relative unit of measurement used in typesetting to define basic spacing functions, and therefore it is linked to the size of type. The dash is the same size as the type ie. 72pt type has a 72 pt em.
6. en (and en dash)- it is a relative measurement equal to half of one em. in 72pt type it would be 36 points. The dash is used to denote nested clauses but also means 'to' in phrases such as two dates 1990-2009.
7. legibility- how well the eye identifies each letter of the typeface caries upon negative space, leading and line measurement.
8. rag- when left justified copy causes ragged ends on the right. it can create gaps, overhanging text, slopes or inclines
9. type alignments: (Flush) all to one side, seen as informal and asymmetrical. Can be positive in design of a page because consistent word space, clarity and harmonious. (Centered)-effective in design of a single page in a formal context. negative because it reduces readability. (Justified) positive because it creates even margins but negative because it causes space between words, hyphenation, and it has wide columns.
10. word spacing- ideal is not pared back and not extended. The space between words has been traditionally been based upon a space equivalent to the body width of a lowercase i. This space can be adjusted manually for display and title setting.
11. rivers-are separations of words that leaves gaps between several lines
12. indent- the space used to introduce a new paragraph.
13. leading-the space between one baseline to the next.
14. kerning- is the spacing between each letter. sometimes kerning pairs are made to create consistent rhythm of intercharacter space, which enhances legibility and readability
15. tracking- adjusting the overall space between letters, rather than the space between two characters. aka letterspacing.
16. weight- choice of bold, book, medium or demi. With different typefaces different options are given.
17. scale- increase in point size. larger provides more emphasis. To make the increase obvious needs to be at lease a 2pt increase.
18. typographic variation- the use if different typefaces, weights, and sizes. Bold, italic, or small-cap fonts, should serve to clarify visually for the reader specific kinds of emphasis and hierarchy.
19. orphan- final 1-2 lines of a paragraph separated from the main paragraph to form a new column.
20. window- lone word at the end of a paragraph left hanging.