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The horizontal width of a block of typeset text, usually measured in points or picas. Example: Newspapers often use shorter line lengths to improve readability.

The arrangement and presentation of elements in a way that implies importance. Example: Using varying font sizes, colors, and weights to organize content.

The space between lines of text, vertically measured from baseline to baseline. Example: 12-pt font often has 14-pt leading.

Adjusting the spacing uniformly over a range of characters. Example: Expanding or contracting a block of text without changing the font size.

The height of the lowercase 'x' in a typeface, which generally represents the average height of most lowercase letters in the font. Example: Fonts with a large x-height like Verdana are readable at small sizes.

The part of a lowercase letter that extends above the x-height of a font. Example: The lowercase 'b', 'd', 'f', 'h', 'k', and 'l' typically have ascenders.

A small line or stroke regularly attached to the end of a larger stroke in a letter or symbol within a font. Example: Times New Roman.

How easy it is to distinguish one letter from another in a particular typeface. Example: A legible font like Helvetica is often used for signage.

The part of a letter that extends below the baseline of a font. Example: The lowercase 'g','p','q','y' and 'j' typically have descenders.

The process of adjusting the space between characters in a proportional font. Example: Adjusting the space between 'A' and 'V' so they don't appear too far apart.

The thickness of the characters in a typeface, which can vary from thin to black. Example: Helvetica comes in weights from 'UltraLight' to 'Heavy'.

A typeface variant in which the letters slant to the right, used for emphasis or as a subordinate hierarchy. Example: The sentence 'I really like this example.' with 'really' in italics to show emphasis.

A typeface style where the letters slant to the right, similar to italic but typically less stylized. Example: Arial Italic vs. Arial Oblique.

An elemental symbol within an agreed set of symbols, intended to represent a readable character. Example: The ampersand (&) or the @ symbol.

A style of typeface that does not include serifs at the end of strokes. Example: Arial.

The height of a capital letter measured from the baseline. Example: In the typeface Impact, the cap height is large, making it great for headings.

A design for a set of characters. Example: Arial, Times New Roman, and Courier.

The line on which the letters sit and below which descenders extend. Example: In a paragraph, all letters are aligned along the baseline unless superscripted or subscripted.

Refers to how easy it is to read and understand a block of text. Example: The readability of a textbook is improved with proper leading and font choice.