Column width
“ The question of column width is not merely one of design or format; the question of legibilityis of equal importance. The reader should be able to read the message of a text easily and comfortably. This depends to a not inconsiderable extent on the size of the type, the length of the lines, and the leading.Printed matter in normal format is generally read with the eye at a distance of 30-35 cm.The size of the type should be calculated with this distance in mind. Both too small and too large a type costs the reader an effort. He tires more rapidly. According to a well-known empirical rule there should be 7-10 words per line, for a text of any length of the line can be readily calculated. So as to keep the type area light and open in appearance, we have to determine the leading, i.e. the vertical distance from line to line, so that it suits the size of type. Photo- typesetting has brought an additional problem; namely, that of the spacing between letters. In lead type the distance between the letters was determined by the body size an equalized. In photo-typesetting the distance between letters has to be adjusted a new every time in the photosetting machine. Hence the irregularity of the typeface and the, unfortunately, usually too closely set letters.The designer is well advised when ordering photo-typesetting to insist on normal spacing between the letters.
“ Practical experience has shown that the column width of most printed matter (magazines, brochures) contain from 5 to 8 words, averaging 40 to 60 characters. Even though there are no standards for the number of characters per line, we can take the average number of 40 to 60 characters as being an easily readable quantity.Type sizes for continuous text matter are between 8 and 12 points. Well-leaded lines emphasize the horizontal and make reading easier. In each kind of work (e.g. book or display pane), the dimensions of the page size or format are an important factor in determining the arrangement of columns. Where display lines are placed on above another, the space between lines has to be judged optically. In some cases equal line-spaces (leading) has an unequal optical effect. Such “errors” are overcome by different variations of linespacing.” Ruedi Rüegg
“Every difficulty standing in the reader’s way means loss of quality in communication and memorability. Just as overlong lines tire, so do overshot ones. The eye find the long line strenuous to read because too much energy must be spent keeping the horizontal line in sight over a long distance. In the case of the too short line, the eye is copelled to change lines too often and this again wastes energy. The right width of column is essential for an even and pleasant rhythm of reading which enables the reader to relax and concentrate wholly on the content.”
Column width medium
Grid Systems in Graphic Design
“Choose a comfortable measure.” Robert Bringhurst
Column width short
Column width long
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