Fonts - Size & Type

Fonts - Size and Type

Font Size

Type size should always be at least 8pt for legibility. Sizes 8 pt to 12 pt are common for print copy (letterhead, business cards, etc):

When printing reversed text, such as white on rich black or dark colors, with small type below 8-pt, you should add a thin stroke (between .1pt to .25pt) of white (or light color) to compensate to avoid color overlapping and filling the text:

For printing on apparel, the larger the better.  For instance, 78 pt is approximately 1” tall

78 point text

Avoid Font Substitution

Converting fonts to objects is creating a graphic image from the font.  This is done so that your type prints precisely how you have it set. Converting fonts helps avoid any font substitution (called "defaulting") or rasterized type (pixelated), which will happen if another computer doesn't have your exact fonts. Once you outline your type, the color and size of the text can be modified, but you will not be able to edit the text by typing. You should save a separate layer or file with your original type.

Converting fonts to objects ensures your typography prints correctly, without the chance of the font defaulting to a substituted one. It also ensures your type prints sharp and crisp on the page, and avoids the need to rasterize type (pixelating it)

Original (Vector) Type vs Rasterized Type