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

Chapter 5. Hang that Punctuation

Using real quotation marks and apostrophes is a good sign that you’ve progressed beyond typewriter mentality. Now that you’re using the correct punctuation, the next step is to hang it (where appropriate).

What does it mean to “hang the punctuation”? Well, take a look at the quotations below. In the left one, would you agree that the first line appears to be indented? Obviously, it is the empty space below the quotation mark that creates that illusion. Take a look at the same quotation on the right. Now the left edge of that text has a strong, clean alignment, and the punctuation is “hanging” outside that edge. That clean edge is what you want; it is a sign of being conscious of your typography.

You can easily ...