Level 3 - Formats

Large Print

Page Contents

1. What is Large Print?
2. Key Specifications
3. Examples
4. Linked References and Resources

1. What is Large Print?

Large Print publications use a set of guidelines that improve readability beyond standard design and formatting. This includes a larger point size for characters plus the use of non-serif fonts, increased spacing and improved contrast.

There is no universally accepted standard for Large Print point size. A recommended standard for general publishing is 16 points for body text and higher point sizes for titles and subheadings.

The aging trend means that more people than ever before have low vision. For this reason, it may be practical to have the original publication produced in large print (which can also reduce budgets). Short promotional brochures, information pamphlets and executive summaries may fall into this category.

Large Print can be appreciated by all audiences because it reduces eye strain.

2. Key Specifications

You may feel that simply increasing the size of printed text with a photocopier or using a larger font size for a computer file is all that is required to produce Large Print. But this format goes well beyond the size of text.

Other changes are made to the document to make it more readable. For example, sans serif fonts are preferred; there is no hyphenation of single words at ends of lines; and all text should be in upper and lower case (including headings and subheadings).

A common source of confusion about Large Print is the use of bolding, italics and underlining. Italics should be avoided because, depending upon the font used and the seeing ability of the reader, italicized text can appear distorted. Underlining should take the place of italics to denote emphasis. Use bolding on headings and subheadings.

Even the quality of paper is a factor in Large Print. Avoid screens (background colours) and high-glare paper. Black print on 24 pound, white smooth opaque paper is preferred.

3. Examples

Point Size:

Low point-size text makes information inaccessible for a good portion of the population. Try reading the sample text below in various point sizes.

8 Points: Many people cannot comfortably read text this small.

10 Points: This is a bit better.

12 Points: This size is standard for traditional publishing but still too small for some people.

14 Points: This is the minimum size for some people with limited vision.

16 Points: This is the recommended size for Large Print publications.

Font Selection:

While Large Print can be done in almost any standard publishing font, san serif fonts that are bolder and easier to read are preferred. Look at these samples of serif and san serif (non-serif) fonts.

Serif: Can be challenging to read

This is Georgia or Times Roman (depending upon the font settings in your computer). It can look nice but the small strokes that appear on the letters can make reading a challenge for some people. Ironically, serif fonts were designed not only to add character to text but also to help readers see words and sentences rather than individual letters. While it does accomplish its task in small blocks of text, it becomes more difficult to read in larger text blocks for people with limited vision.

San-Serif: Easier to read

This is Arial, a standard font for headings and subheadings in conventional print products (and is used throughout this tutorial). But for many people with limited vision, it's also a preferred font for all text. Other san-serif fonts include Helvetica and Geneva.

4. Linked References and Resources

• Manager's Guide to Multiple Formats Appendix

Next Module: Multi-media

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