Publishers of technology books, eBooks, and videos for creative people

Home > Articles

Stylin' Fonts and Text

This chapter is from the book

Sizing Fonts

You can use three types of values to size fonts. They are absolute (for example, pixels or inches), relative (for example, percentages or ems), and what I call the sweatshirt keywords (for example, x-small, small, large, and xx-large, among others). All three methods have advantages and disadvantages. Jeffrey Zeldman and other CCS mavens advocate keywords as the least problematic of the three (see A List Apart at www.alistapart.com/articles/sizematters/); but because the keyword method requires some sophisticated CSS to make fonts display at consistent sizes in all browsers and only offers a limited number of font sizes, here, I'm going to have you set font sizes in ems.

Ems can be a strange, confusing unit at first, but they are simply a proportional value—think of them as decimal percentages where .9 em is the same as 90 percent of the baseline size.

Most browsers have a default size for 1 em (approximately 16 pixels high), and if you set an element to 1 em, it takes on that baseline size. If you want a piece of type to be three-quarters of that size, set it to .75 ems, if you want it to be half, set it to .5ems.

When working with ems, you should start by setting the body font-size value to 100 percent (which it is by default, but you should explicitly state it so that you can tweak overall sizes later; you also do this for the benefit of Internet Explorer, as I'll explain momentarily), and then you can set all other sizes in proportion to it. Here's how this works.

First, modify the body selector to look like this

<style type="text/css">
body {font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size:100%;}
</style>

Although this doesn't produce a visible effect, you now have a tweakable baseline size. The reason you are using a percentage to set the baseline size is because if Internet Explorer sees a baseline size in ems, it overscales—that is, it scales ems in descendant selectors more than it should, both larger and smaller, when the user changes the text size. If the baseline size is set as a percentage, the correct proportions are maintained.

You might notice that the default sizes for common markup elements such as < h1 > through < h6>, <p>, <ul>, and < li > are rather (read "very") large, and if you need to get any amount of content on the page, using these default sizes means the user must do lots of scrolling. Long hours behind market research mirrors have taught me that scrolling is one of the least loved aspects of Web browsing. Also, I simply find that these large default sizes give the page a horsey, poorly designed look.

But, when working in proportional ems, you can choose to make the overall font size a little smaller, because those users who want large text sizes can get them easily by selecting View > Text Size from the browser menu and choosing Larger (or similar, depending on the browser).

Let's say you decide that the new baseline size is going to be 12 points (from a visual standpoint, that is; you will use percents and ems to actually specify the sizes). You set the body font size to 76 percent. Now text in a paragraph is 76 percent of the browser's 16-point default size for paragraphs: 12 points.

Now, when you style the elements 1em equals 12 points, .75 equals 9pts and so on.

Some developers style the html tag (yes, you can do that) to 125 percent (20 points) and style its immediate child body to 50%. This results in all the descendants tags seeing 1em=10 points, so .9em equals 9 points, 1.2ems equals 12 points and so on which gives a very nice correlation of ems in the style sheet to points on the screen.

Remember, regardless of what units you use to style type, the browser has to convert them into pixels, because that's what the screen uses. Every browser has a slightly different algorithm to perform that calculation, so the rounder the numbers the browser uses in the calculations, the more consistent the result from browser to browser. The importance of pixel-accurate type between browsers is a personal matter, but these are a couple of ways you can approach the issue of setting a baseline size for your type.

The bottom line is that if you are using a proportional value method (for example, ems) to size the fonts for the individual selectors, you are then able provide the majority of viewers with font sizes that are more aesthetically pleasing, that result in less scrolling, and that still give visually impaired users the option to override your font size decisions and increase the size of all type proportionally.

In the following examples, you work with the default of 100%, and later, when you start building sites, you can adjust this baseline value to suit the needs of each design.

From the 100% font-size baseline, let's set font sizes on each of the elements using ems, starting with the line under the logo that reads "a New Riders book . . ." ( Figure 3.7 ). We do it this way because setting the baseline at 100% provides more consistent results across browsers than using 1em. However, we use ems for the elements because ems are a familiar and conventional unit for setting type.

03fig07.jpg

Figure 3.7 Here's the original version of the header from the Chapter 1 example with default font styling.

This line is an h3 element, so you're going to set it to .8em (I chose this number because I've done this before and I know that's a nice size for it). Here's what you write

<style type="text/css">
body {font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size:100%;}
h3 {font-size:.8em}
</style>

Figure 3.8 shows how this looks.

03fig08.jpg

Figure 3.8 The "a New Riders book . . ." headline is now a much more appropriate size.

You can see that the headline is now much smaller. (You may be interested to know that by experimentation, I discovered its default size was equal to 1.2ems, or 16 x 1.2 = 19.2 points).

Let's now go on and set the font sizes for other elements in your markup, as follows

<style type="text/css">
body {font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size:100%;}
h1 {font-size:.1em}
h3 {font-size:.8em}
p {font-size:.8em}

   ol {font-size:.75em}

   ul {font-size:.75em}

   a {font-size:.7em}
</style>

This results in Figure 3.9 .

03fig09.jpg

Figure 3.9 Here the font size for the various elements is set in ems, but the combination of ems and nested tags is making the text in the second list very small.

A couple of points (no pun intended) about these styles: first, you didn't set a style for the list item (li) elements of the two lists, but you did for the ordered list (ol) and unordered list (ul) elements that respectively contain them. If you styled the li element, both lists would display in the same size, but because you styled the ol and ul elements instead, the li elements inherit their values, and you can later make the lists' items different sizes if you wish.

Inherited Styles in Nested Tags

Secondly, although you are already making a nice improvement to the unstyled layout with which you started, the font size for the bulleted unordered list (ul) is very small, even though it's set to the same size as the ordered list (ol).

This problem is caused by the fact that the ol element is set to .75 ems and the a elements nested down inside are set to .7ems. The net result is type in those a elements end up sized to .525ems (.7 x .75). Inheritance of font sizes can work for you, and, as here, against you. Fortunately, the fix here is easy; you simply set a contextual selector for this specific situation, like this

<style type="text/css">
body {font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size:1em;}
h1 {font-size:.1em}
h3 {font-size:.8em}
p {font-size:.8em}
ol {font-size:.75em}
ul {font-size:.75em}
ul a {font-size:inherit}
a {font-size:.7em}
</style>

You simply used the inherit value to tell the a element to get its font size from its containing element. Not only does this ensure that the a element displays in the desired size, but also, if you later want to change the size of the list items, you can just update the ol selector and the nested a element dutifully inherits the new size, and the problem is fixed ( Figure 3.10 ).

03fig10.jpg

Figure 3.10 Now that the inherited sizing issue is .xed, the list is muchmore readable.

You can now test the scalability of your ems-based layout:

  1. Select View > Text Size > Largest in the browser menu (this is the path in Internet Explorer—it will vary slightly in other browsers). Note that everything scales up nicely for viewers who are visually impaired.
  2. Vary the value of font-size property of the body selector—try 80 percent and 120 percent, for example. Save and reload the page. Again, all the elements size proportionally. Those of you who have spent hours changing the size attribute of hundreds of font tags in dozens of pages after it's decided that the type sizes are all too big or too small will appreciate the power and convenience of this capability. Next time the client makes some comment like "The problem with you designers is you always make the type so bloody small", you can quadruple the font size of the entire site in about five seconds, and then politely say "Is that big enough for you?"

Let's move on to some other font-related CSS.

Peachpit Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Peachpit and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Peachpit products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email ask@peachpit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.peachpit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020