Display type

Definition

Display type refers to larger and more stylized typefaces used primarily for headlines, titles, and other prominent text elements in design. It captures attention and conveys the tone of the content, making it distinct from body text, which is meant for readability in longer passages. Display type can influence a viewer's perception and response to the message being presented.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Display type is typically used at larger sizes than body text, often ranging from 18 points to 72 points or more, depending on the design context.
2. The choice of display type can greatly influence the emotional tone of a design project, with different styles evoking different feelings.
3. Common examples of display type include decorative fonts, bold sans-serifs, and script fonts that are often not suitable for extended reading.
4. Effective use of display type involves balancing creativity with legibility, ensuring that while it grabs attention, it remains clear to the reader.
5. Designers often experiment with contrast in weight, size, and style when selecting display type to enhance visual hierarchy and draw focus to key messages.

Review Questions

• How does display type differ from body text in terms of purpose and application?
  • Display type serves a different purpose than body text by being used for headlines and titles where grabbing attention is key. Unlike body text that focuses on readability for longer passages, display type is often more stylized and expressive. This distinction helps designers choose appropriate fonts that cater to the specific needs of their projects while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
• Discuss the role of contrast in the effective use of display type within a design.
  • Contrast plays a crucial role in making display type stand out against other elements in a design. By varying weights, sizes, or styles, designers can create emphasis on important messages or sections. For instance, using bold display type against a lighter background helps it to pop visually, guiding the viewer's eye where it needs to go while also enhancing the overall composition.
• Evaluate how understanding display type influences a designer's ability to communicate effectively through visual media.
  • Understanding display type is essential for designers as it directly impacts their ability to communicate messages effectively through visual media. Knowledge of different display types allows designers to select fonts that not only capture attention but also align with the brand's voice and target audience. By analyzing how various styles can evoke emotions or convey specific themes, designers can create more engaging and purposeful designs that resonate with viewers on multiple levels.

Related terms

Serif: A font style characterized by small lines or decorative strokes at the ends of larger letters, often used in display type to convey elegance.

Kerning: The adjustment of space between individual characters in a word, which is especially important in display type for creating visual harmony.

Leading:

The vertical space between lines of text that can affect the readability and aesthetic of both display type and body text.