Points, Picas, and Leading

12 points = _____ 12 points = 1 pica 12 points = 1 pica 6 picas = _____ 12 points = 1 pica 6 picas = 1 inch 12 points = 1 pica 6 picas = 1 inch 72 points = _____ 12 points = 1 pica 6 picas = 1 inch 72 points = 1 inch 12 points = 1 pica 6 picas = 1 inch 72 points = 1 inch

SO: 72 point type is how tall? 12 points = 1 pica 6 picas = 1 inch 72 points = 1 inch

SO: 72 point type is how tall? And how long is 24 picas? What is leading? Where did it come from? Leading (pronounced “ledding”) is measured in points.

Helvetica in 12 point type with 14 points of leading is abbreviated as

12/14 Helvetica.

The 14 indicates POINT SIZE + any additional linespacing (which in this case is 2 points). 12 point type with 4 points of leading: 12/16 Helvetica.

12 point type minus 2 points of leading: 12/10 Helvetica. Type with no additional linespacing is referred to as set solid.

So, 12/12 Helvetica can also be stated as 12 point Helvetica set solid. Lines of type are measured in _____. Lines of type are measured in picas. Let’s add picas to the equation: Lines of type are measured in picas. Let’s add picas to the equation: 12/14 Helvetica x 18. What does this translate to? 12/14 Helvetica x 18. What does this translate to?

12 point Helvetica with 14 points of leading in an 18 pica column. alignment Text is an ongoing sequence of words, distinct from shorter headlines or captions. The main block is often Text is an ongoing sequence of words, called the “body,” comprising the principal mass of content. Also known as “running text,” it can flow distinct from shorter headlines or captions. from one page, column, or box to another. Text can be viewed as a thing—a sound and sturdy object—or a The main block is often called fluid poured into the containers of page or screen. Text the “body,” can be solid or liquid, body or blood. As body, text has more integrity and wholeness than the elements that comprising the principal mass of content. surround it, from pictures, captions, and page numbers to banners, buttons, and menus. Designers generally Also known as “running text,” treat a body of text consistently, letting it appear as a coherent substance that is distributed across the it can flow from one page, column, or box to another. spaces of a document. In digital media, long texts are typically broken into chunks that can be accessed by Text can be viewed as a thing search engines or hypertext links. Contemporary designers and writers produce content for various —a sound and sturdy object— contexts, from the pages of print to an array of software environments, screen conditions, and digital or a fluid poured into the containers of page or screen. devices, each posing its own limits and opportunities.

Text can be solid or liquid,

body or blood.

Text is an ongoing sequence of words, distinct from Text is an ongoing sequence of words, distinct from shorter headlines or captions. The main block is shorter headlines or captions. The main block is often often called the “body,” comprising the principal called the “body,” comprising the principal mass of mass of content. Also known as “running text,” it can content. Also known as “running text,” it can flow flow from one page, column, or box to another. Text from one page, column, or box to another. Text can be can be viewed as a thing—a sound and sturdy viewed as a thing—a sound and sturdy object—or a object—or a fluid poured into the containers of page fluid poured into the containers of page or screen. Text or screen. Text can be solid or liquid, body or blood. can be solid or liquid, body or blood. As body, text has As body, text has more integrity and wholeness than more integrity and wholeness than the elements that the elements that surround it, from pictures, surround it, from pictures, captions, and page captions, and page numbers to banners, buttons, and numbers to banners, buttons, and menus. Designers menus. Designers generally treat a body of text generally treat a body of text consistently, letting it consistently, letting it appear as a coherent substance appear as a coherent substance that is distributed that is distributed across the spaces of a document. across the spaces of a document. In digital media, long In digital media, long texts are typically broken into texts are typically broken into chunks that can be chunks that can be accessed by search engines or accessed by search engines or hypertext links. hypertext links. Contemporary designers and writers Contemporary designers and writers produce content produce content for various contexts, from the pages for various contexts, from the pages of print to an of print to an array of software environments, screen array of software environments, screen conditions, and conditions, and digital devices, each posing its own digital devices, each posing its own opportunities. limits and opportunities.

Each basic mode of alignment has distinct characteristics and typical uses.