Formatting text

• Use Verdana for body text – it was developed for webpages and is more likely to be on other computers.
• Specify fonts in pixels rather than in points – body text of 12 pixels is more likely to display in a viewable size on all screens. Fonts will always appear to be smaller when viewed on a Macintosh.
• Limit fonts used for headings to those installed with the computer's operating system, e.g. Windows 98 basic font set. Fonts installed by other pieces of software, even those from the Microsoft^® Office collection, may not be on other computers.
• Selecting fonts for improving readability. Highly decorative fonts are difficult to read and people spend time deciphering the text rather than understanding and interacting with the content – even when the font is used in the heading.
• Reserve underlining for hyperlinks – people expect to click on underlined words and it is disconcerting if nothing happens.
• Use bold to emphasise significant pieces of text.
• Limit the use of italics – while italics print well, they are jagged on the screen and are often difficult to read.
• Avoid using distracters like blinking text or animations that never stop. The eye is continually drawn to the movement and it can be distracting.

Useful links

Typefaces for the web
www.fonts.com/

Microsoft typography
www.microsoft.com