What is typesetting?

If you’ve seen my previous blog post, we’ve already covered issues with typesetting and how to make sure you’re not making simple mistakes that can compromise a text. But now’s a good time to actually discover what typesetting is, best practices and things you should be wary of.

Bad typesetting will immediately make itself known to readers, and mistakes will be glaring enough that you don’t need to know all of the ins and outs to know something is wrong – which is why it’s a good idea to brush up on what’s what!

So, what’s typesetting?

Put simply, typesetting is the arrangement of words with the goal of the best experience for readers. Its origins come from China, roughly during 1040AD when movable type (carved blocks of lettering which would be inked up and pressed onto books) was beginning to emerge. The West caught up in 1440, when the printing press was created, using type frames (boxes continuing multiple blocks of inked text) to reprint materials.

From then on, mechanical, automated and then digital software revolutionised the process, leaving us with the quick and easiest method yet of typesetting. Today, you can choose to hire a typesetter to give your text a once-over, as well as using some key programmes to help you adhere to those standards.

Typographic hierarchy

Whatever piece you’re creating will likely have at least a title and the body text, if not additional headings or subtitles. With the fonts’ size and weight you’re using, it’s probably best to create a style to stick to – that all titles will be the same size, that all body text will use the same font, to create a cohesive look.

Typesetting fonts

Font choice is also an important aspect of typesetting – for example, choosing certain fonts can make the text more easily readable for those with disabilities, and can also change the look drastically. Many people will champion the old reliable methodology of using a sans serif font for titles, and a more readable one for body text, but don’t be afraid to go wacky with your choices!

Spacing

Again, this can vary based on house style or brand guidelines, but spacing can also affect the readability of the text. Squidging it all together can look cleaner but will make it harder to see from a distance. Another aspect that nestles into spacing considerations is the trim size – the total print size of a book or other material.

Tracking and padding

Padding is the spacing between a block of text and the page margins, whereas tracking is the spacing between letters. Once again, both can have a considerable impact on the layout and readability of text, and can be tweaked in accordance with branding or stylistic instructions.

That’s all we’ve got type for!

That’s the basics of typesetting – hopefully now you’ll be mindful of your spacing, font and other aspects in order to create beautiful text that’s sure to be the envy of everyone at the ball.