What Is Using Microsoft Typography All About?
Typography Basics and References
Many desktop publishing projects will entail using Microsoft typography. Typography is arranging type and has long been considered something of an art form way before computers and printers were invented. It includes using and knowing about all of the following; line tracking, line length, line spacing, typefaces, point size, pica size and keening. If you’re unfamiliar with any of those concepts, there’s a great synopsis of the terms in Laura Jean Karr’s What is Typography?
Were you aware that there are five families representing the different styles of typography available in the desktop publishing world? Much like the way the five families in the Godfather film work together for a common goal, but separately with distinct characteristics and flare, the typography families all have a unique bond that sets them apart under generalized categories. To learn more about these style classifications read up on the details in 5 Style Families of Typography. You’ll be well versed in the common names and derivations of many fonts including which ones are similar in nature.
The selection of typography is based on a multitude of factors which might include achieving the utmost readability, reflecting or sparking a mood or emotion, or establishing a professional presence; to name but a few. Microsoft offers a great deal of different font styles and sizes to work within its software applications like Word and Publisher. And as Microsoft constantly evolves adding new ones, increasing choices, as well as providing the convenient and useful ability to download fonts from third party sources which might be highly stylized and unique to better represent an entity’s character.
Working with and Using Microsoft Typography
Essentially, when you’re using typography in Microsoft software like Word, you’re selecting fonts and formatting the page. And you do that based on whatever design you hope to create in your desktop publishing material whether it’s a brochure, a menu, a poster, or anything else you want or need to produce. Microsoft gives you a great deal of latitude in using different typography on the same document to achieve the look and design that will transfer from your computer to the finished product on the printed page. But these days it doesn’t even apply solely to a printed piece of material.
For instance, an online newsletter still involves all sorts of typography decisions to make even though it will conceivably never leave the virtual world. In Microsoft Word you’ll find most of your options for what we’re talking about here right along the tool bar that falls under the Home file. Home is the first heading to the right of the Microsoft Office button on the top right of your computer screen when Word is up and running.
Here, you’ll find all the numerous choices for font style and font size by just clicking on the boxes and selecting from the large drop down menus. Then you’ve got all your choices for line spacing, colors, bolding or italicizing, indentations, and the like. The process is all rather intuitive and if you have trouble with anything than use the built-in Help feature or type your query into a Google Search box because sometimes there are very helpful forums that address issues with easily understood clarity.
Another helpful frame of reference is here at Microsoft Typography. Good luck with all of your typographical endeavors, I hope this helped. And be advised that this Bright Hub channel has tons of references and tutorials to help individuals and businesses build all kinds of marketing materials from flyers to brochures. Just ask our search feature and you will receive articles containing instructions (probably using a variety of methods and applications) on how to get it done.
