Large scale signage and billboards are meant to be viewed from a distance. In large scale printing, fonts are not only used for the particular style they lend to the design, but also according to the readability factor. Here are some tips to make a wise font choice.
Consider Sans Serif Fonts
Serif or sans serif fonts? The choice is far easier when you consider that most people find serif fonts and script styles more difficult to read than sans serif fonts.
A serif font such as Times New Roman will include structural details or small decorative flourishes on the ends of some of the strokes that make up letters and symbols. By comparison, a sans serif font such as Arial will not have these details.
Given the above, a simpler font like sans-serif will become easier to read and preferable to use where design and printing are concerned. However, this does not mean that readability is not an issue for sans serif fonts.
Common problems include the use of sans serif fonts with too wide or too narrow spacing between letters. Also, some bold sans-serif fonts tend to look too crowded, while fonts using thin lines easily pale in the background and offer poor visibility as a result.
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We are one of the South Africa’s leading producers of large format graphic solutions for Retail, Interiors, Exhibitions, Events and Leisure. Our customers include blue-chip organisations, luxury brands and leading designers and creatives throughout South Africa and Internationally.
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Opt for Cross-Platform Fonts
It is a good idea to use fonts that work on both Windows and Mac OS platforms and can display properly in both your design and in the client’s system before it goes to print.
Avoid unnecessary stress and platform compatibility issues by choosing popular cross-platform fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana, and Georgia. These work well on any platform, at any size.
Test for Readability
Finally, consider how the font reads at any size, and from various distances and angles. You may need to back away from your desktop and read the text from a distance or ask someone to review the copy and check if it is easily readable or not.
If the copy is not readable on a computer screen, chances are it too will not work well on a large scale format.
At Powerhouse PLC we share our expertise and passion for print by offering bespoke graphic design and bulk printing services to the corporate world.
Place your brand at the front and centre of your industry. Contact Powerhouse PLC for all your large format printing and laser cutting requirements.
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