BASIC TYPOGRAOHY CONVENTIONS

Bolding – Normally used to emphasize headings. Avoid using to emphasize key points—if you photocopy the text, you may lose the bolded effect. Instead, make it into a note (see Text Boxes).
Italics – Normally used to identify emphasized or new words. We’ve used italics here to introduce new terms that are also defined in the glossary. Italics can also be used for document titles, such as the title of a form or a manual.
Underlining – Commonly used when working with typewriters, but virtually never seen in manuals. Avoid underlining.
UPPER CASE – Often used with typewriters for headings because of the lack of other available heading attributes. All upper case letters, however, slow reading speed because of the loss of characteristic word shapes—words in mixed case have a shape that aids in their recognition. Avoid using all upper case headings, except for acronyms and abbreviations.
SMALL CAPS – If acronyms and abbreviations are set in full capital letters like this—SPCA—they are too dominant and will jump out visually. It’s better to put them in small caps like this—SPCA (usually 2 points smaller than the text) to give them about the same visual dominance as other words in the text.
Courier Bold – Sometimes used in computer end-user manuals to identify words that can be read from the computer monitor.
<Carets> – One of several possible ways of identifying keys on the keyboard. For example, “Press the <Enter> key.”
Screening – A light dot screen, such as this one, can be applied to highlight important text, particularly for caution or warning notes.

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BASIC TYPOGRAOHY CONVENTIONS

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	Created by Heidi Barber about 9 years ago