J. Large Print

Possible Purposes Include:

Access for people with low vision.

Improved access for people with low reading skills.

Used to emphasize important information.

Large print publications use a set of guidelines that improve readability beyond standard design and formatting. This includes a larger point size for characters plus the use of non-serif fonts, increased spacing and improved contrast.

There is no universally accepted standard for large print point size. A recommended standard for general publishing is 16 points for body text and higher point sizes for titles and subheadings.

The aging trend means that more people than ever before have low vision. For this reason, it may be practical to have the original publication produced in large print (which can also reduce budgets). Short promotional brochures, information pamphlets and executive summaries may fall into this category.

Why can't I just use a photocopier?

Using a photocopier's zoom feature to increase font size for clients requiring large print is not recommended. Photocopying can result in poor reproduction quality and cut off text making the document harder to read.

What about the use of illustrations in large print?

Large print publications should use enlarged graphics but maintain the same contrast, clarity and colour as the original version. Graphics containing text and captions should use the same large print guidelines as other text.

If possible, avoid wrapping text around graphics.

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