Rules of Using Type

or basic typography guidelines

These are just a tried and true typefaces that ensure legibility and ease of reading. Some of these classic typefaces include:

Helvetica, Gill Sans, Garamond, Gotham, and Baskerville just to name a few.

Rule #1

Always try to use Classic typefaces

Rule #2

Limit the number of typefaces that you use in your design projects.

If you are newer to graphic design, limit yourself to a maximum of two typefaces. Going over three in any occasion can make

your work look inconsistent and confusing

Rule #3

Avoid using typefaces that are very similar to each other

RULE #4

AVOID USING ALL CAPS

RULE #5

Legibility is the most important thing. Do not sacrifice legibility for an effect.

RULE #6

Always choose a font size that is easily legible.

RULE #7

Never mix different sizes or weights in a single line or block of text

RULE #8

When you're setting body copy, make sure to pay close attention to the alignment of your text. Flush left, ragged right is the most common and easiest to read alignment.

RULE #9

Use high contrast between text and background.

RULE #10

Never arbitrarily stretch or distort letters. If you need the text to take up more space,

use a wider or taller typeface.

RULE #11

Avoid over-used typefaces such as: Comic Sans, Chalk Duster, Curlz,

Papyrus, & Playbill

RULE #12

Paragraphs should have even and consistent spacing throughout the text

RULE #13

Don’t use underlines to emphasize words or phrases, italics are more elegant and less distracting