The first big decision for font selection is whether to use a serif or sans-serif classification. The second big decision is whether to use a high, medium, or low x-height. This tip takes on the question of x-height when it comes to creating documents that are accessible and understandable.
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The x-height is the distance between the baseline and the average line of lowercase letters. This is usually the height of the letter x in the font and the letters v, w, and z. One of the most important dimensions of a font, x-height defines how high lowercase letters without ascenders are compared to the cap height of uppercase letters.
Medium X-height (Sans-Serif)
Calibri, Aptos, and Montserrat are the go-to sans-serif fonts with medium x-heights. All three strike a balance between aesthetics and readability. Each can be used equally well in text and headings.
High X-height (Sans-Serif)
Arial, Helvetica, and Open Sans are more legible at smaller sizes, such as captions that are often one or two points smaller than the surrounding body text. Helvetica is also a go-to text as white text on a dark background.
Low X-height (Sans-Serif)
Avant Garde, Bauhaus, and some Univers have low x-heights, which are most appropriate for large headlines and display text. The rule of thumb is not to use low x-height fonts for business presentations and reports.
Improving Accessibility and Understanding with X-height
The first big decision for font selection is to use a sans-serif font. Next, pick a font with a medium or high x-height. Calibri, Aptos, Arial, and Helvetica are smart choices for business presentations and reports. Stay tuned for a future tip that will provide my three favorite, lesser-known fonts that provide power while providing accessibility.
JD Solomon is the founder of JD Solomon, Inc., the creator of the FINESSE fishbone diagram®, and the co-creator of the SOAP criticality method©. He is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions.
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