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

Left Aligned

Speaking just in terms of alignment, text aligned on the left is the most readable. Left-aligned text uses the optimum word spacing and letter spacing that the designer built into the font, and the spacing is very consistent so you don’t have to struggle through the words at all. And as you read, your eye can quickly find the beginning of the next line.

When you align text left, strive to keep the right, “ragged” side as smooth as possible, or in a slightly concave shape. Sometimes this necessitates forcing line breaks to fill in holes or to prevent long text strings from hanging beyond the rest of the lines. Below, the word of is hanging off the right edge, while in the line just below it there is clearly plenty of room to accommodate ...