Knowledge Centre
Typesetting: Type, Layout & Terminology
A small vocabulary for a better page.
Type and Space
A typeface is the design of the letters; a font is a particular usable instance of that design. Leading controls the space between lines, tracking adjusts spacing across a run, and kerning adjusts particular pairs. Their purpose is readable rhythm, not decoration alone.
A Consistent Structure
Paragraph and character styles establish repeatable treatment for headings, body text, notes and emphasis. Margins, measure and hierarchy help a reader navigate. An attractive single spread still needs to work across the whole publication.
Production Terms
Bleed extends artwork beyond the trim edge. The gutter is the inner margin area, which needs to suit the binding. Overset text is content that does not fit its frame. These details belong in the final production check as well as the design process.