Non-Designer’s Type Book, The, Second Edition

Linespacing (leading)

Linespacing is, obviously, the space between the lines. You have total control over how much space appears. Linespacing that is too tight decreases readability because it makes it difficult for the reader to separate the individual words and phrases, and it also makes it more difficult for the reader’s eyes to find the beginning of the next line.

You will generally need to increase linespacing for these reasons:

• If the line length is longer than average.

• If the typeface has a large x-height, as most sans serifs do.

• If you are reversing the type out of a background or solid color.

You can decrease linespacing on an average line length if your typeface has a very small x-height since the small x-height creates more space between ...