Typography
Legibility at distance
Signs, posters and billboards are glanced at, so they need few words and bold, simple type.
Why it matters
Outdoor ads get a glance, not a read. The widely used rule of thumb is to keep billboard copy to about seven words, with heavy, simple type and strong contrast.
How to apply it
- Keep outdoor copy very short
- Use heavy weights and high contrast
- Check the design printed small or viewed from across a room
Common mistakes
- Thin script fonts
- Long sentences on posters
Quick answers
What is Legibility at distance?
Signs, posters and billboards are glanced at, so they need few words and bold, simple type. Outdoor ads get a glance, not a read. The widely used rule of thumb is to keep billboard copy to about seven words, with heavy, simple type and strong contrast.
How do I apply Legibility at distance in graphic design?
Keep outdoor copy very short. Use heavy weights and high contrast. Check the design printed small or viewed from across a room.
What are common mistakes with Legibility at distance?
Thin script fonts. Long sentences on posters.