L - Typography Terms

Typography Terms - L

Typography Terms - L

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All Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

leader

(pronounced leeder) Rows of dots or dashes used to guide the eye to another area within the line.

leading

(Pronounced 'ledding') The amount of vertical space between lines of type. The distance from the baseline of one line of type and the baseline of another line of type immediately above or below it; also known as line spacing and usually measured in points.

legibility

the ease with which the reader can discern the type on the page, based on the tone of the type in relation to the background and the letterforms' shape with respect to each other.

left justified

Type that is aligned with its left margin. Also called "flush left"

letter spacing

Extra space inserted between letters in a word. Also called Kerning. Separating all the letters in a word with spaces. Best used to modify headings, this should be applied with caution since too much letter spacing makes copy difficult to read. Some programs automatically add letter spacing when the text is justified. (See tracking)

ligated

A typeface that has connections between letters. Formal and informal scripts are the most common examples of ligated typefaces. Characters like 'fi,' 'fl,' or 'st' may be ligated in typefaces that are otherwise unconnected.

ligature

A special double character in a font representing two letters as one. For example, ae and oe. One character that is made up of two or more letters.

line spacing

The amount of vertical spacing, expressed in points, from the baseline of one line of text, to the baseline of the next line.

logo

A combination of characters and/or graphics to create a single design that is used to identify a company or organization. it is often trademarked and is always included on all company printed materials and ads.

logotype

Usually refers to the type or font used in a logo (see logo).

lowercase

These are the small letters of a typeface. Originally, small letters were stored in the lower section of the printer's typecase, hence the term "lowercase." Once known as "minuscules."

All Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

leader	(pronounced leeder) Rows of dots or dashes used to guide the eye to another area within the line.
leading	(Pronounced 'ledding') The amount of vertical space between lines of type. The distance from the baseline of one line of type and the baseline of another line of type immediately above or below it; also known as line spacing and usually measured in points.
legibility	the ease with which the reader can discern the type on the page, based on the tone of the type in relation to the background and the letterforms' shape with respect to each other.
left justified	Type that is aligned with its left margin. Also called "flush left"
letter spacing	Extra space inserted between letters in a word. Also called Kerning. Separating all the letters in a word with spaces. Best used to modify headings, this should be applied with caution since too much letter spacing makes copy difficult to read. Some programs automatically add letter spacing when the text is justified. (See tracking)
ligated	A typeface that has connections between letters. Formal and informal scripts are the most common examples of ligated typefaces. Characters like 'fi,' 'fl,' or 'st' may be ligated in typefaces that are otherwise unconnected.
ligature	A special double character in a font representing two letters as one. For example, ae and oe. One character that is made up of two or more letters.
line spacing	The amount of vertical spacing, expressed in points, from the baseline of one line of text, to the baseline of the next line.
logo	A combination of characters and/or graphics to create a single design that is used to identify a company or organization. it is often trademarked and is always included on all company printed materials and ads.
logotype	Usually refers to the type or font used in a logo (see logo).
lowercase	These are the small letters of a typeface. Originally, small letters were stored in the lower section of the printer's typecase, hence the term "lowercase." Once known as "minuscules."