{ "version": "https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1.1", "title": "Tanya Sokolovskaya's blog", "_rss_description": "On editorial and graphic design", "_rss_language": "en", "_itunes_email": "mail@tsokolovskaya.com", "_itunes_categories_xml": "", "_itunes_image": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/pictures\/userpic\/userpic-square@2x.jpg?1732041507", "_itunes_explicit": "no", "home_page_url": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/", "feed_url": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/rss\/", "icon": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/pictures\/userpic\/userpic@2x.jpg?1732041507", "authors": [ { "name": "Tanya Sokolovskaya", "url": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/", "avatar": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/pictures\/userpic\/userpic@2x.jpg?1732041507" } ], "items": [ { "id": "35", "url": "https:\/\/tsokolovskaya.com\/blog\/all\/text-design\/", "title": "Text formatting: essential tips for everyone working with text", "content_html": "

A well-formatted text is pleasing to the eye and easy to read. This post covers the basics of text formatting and when to apply different elements. It’s useful not only for designers but for anyone who works with text or writes regularly, whether it’s for emails, business correspondence, or documents.<\/p>\n

Paragraphs<\/h2>\n

In print, paragraphs are typically indented on the first line to improve readability and conserve paper, a practice originating from typographers. In web formatting, where saving paper isn’t a concern, paragraphs are usually separated by spaces. It’s unnecessary to use both methods; one is sufficient.<\/p>\n

For print<\/b>: use indentations for the first line. But remember, you don’t need to indent the first paragraph. There’s nothing to indent it from.
\nFor web<\/b>: separate paragraphs with spaces.<\/p>\n

\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Word breaks<\/h2>\n

When breaking text onto a new line, prepositions, initials, phone numbers, dates, and units of measurement should be moved together.<\/p>\n

A non-breaking space<\/b> keeps words linked – related words are carried to the next line as a single unit. Use non-breaking spaces to ensure prepositions or pronouns stay with the words they modify. Although there is no specific rule in English about orphaned prepositions, I believe they should not be left at the end of a line, as they disrupt the flow of reading and are visually unappealing.<\/p>\n

Compare the two paragraphs, one with orphaned prepositions and one without:<\/p>\n

\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Dashes, unlike prepositions, are not split across lines.<\/p>\n

Correct:<\/p>\n

\n

The event –
\na grand success.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Incorrect:<\/p>\n

\n

The event
\n– a grand success.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

HTML: &nbsp;\nMac: ⌥ Option+Space\nMS Word: Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Space<\/code><\/pre>
If you cannot use a non-breaking space, you can use a non-breaking range<\/b> (nobr) as an alternative:<\/p>\n
<nobr>123–4567<\/nobr>\n<nobr>New York–London<\/nobr><\/code><\/pre>
Dashes, hyphens, and minus signs<\/h2>\n
There are four commonly used horizontal line symbols:<\/p>\n
Em Dash (—)<\/p>\n
HTML: &mdash;  \nMac: ⌥ Opt+⇧ Shift+-  \nMS Word: Ctrl+Alt+Num -  \nWindows: Alt+0151<\/code><\/pre>
En Dash (–)<\/p>\n
HTML: &ndash;  \nMac: ⌥ Opt+-  \nMS Word: Ctrl+Num -  \nWindows: Alt+0150<\/code><\/pre>
Hyphen (-)<\/p>\n
HTML: &#x2010;  \nAvailable on the keyboard.<\/code><\/pre>
Minus sign  (−)<\/p>\n
HTML: &minus;\nWindows: Alt+8722<\/code><\/pre>
These symbols differ in length and usage:<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
If you line up the symbols on a single line, you’ll notice that the minus sign, like the plus sign, sits slightly higher than the others. They’re aligned relative to uppercase letters and numbers:<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n
Dash, en dash, hyphen, minus sign, plus sign<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
The em dash is used  to clarify sentence structure, to express a more pronounced break in sentence structure than commas, and to draw more attention to the enclosed phrase than parentheses:<\/p>\n
\n
The party lasted—we knew it would!—far longer than planned.
\nGoing—going—gone!
\nThere is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The em dash may be used to introduce a phrase at the end of a sentence or replace an introductory colon:<\/p>\n
\n
She has but one hobby—chocolate.
\nIn England, justice is open to all—like the Ritz Hotel.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Most British publishers instead of the em dash use the en dash with space on either side:<\/p>\n
\n
But he didn’t know any magic yet – what on earth would he have to do?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Also, the en dash is used to denote ranges (e. g., dates, times, numbers) and connections between words, especially in compound adjectives:<\/p>\n
\n
The train runs from London–Edinburgh.
\nThe conference is scheduled for June 1–5.
\nThe 9:00–11:00 meeting.
\nThe New York–Los Angeles flight.
\n2015–2017.
\nMonday–Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The hyphen is used to join words in compound terms, split words at the end of a line, and connect parts of words:<\/p>\n
\n
A high-quality product.
\nA well-known author.
\nThe fast-paced movie.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Use hyphens in spelt-out numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine (twenty-three, four hundred and sixty-eight, fifty-three thousand), and in fractions, unless the numerator and denominator are already hyphenated (one-half, two-thirds, three thirty-seconds, four and five-eighth).<\/p>\n
Hyphens may also be used in a sequence of non-inclusive numbers:<\/p>\n
\n
ISBN 0-123-45678-9<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It’s important not to use an en dash when you need a hyphen and the other way around.<\/p>\n
The minus sign is used in mathematical contexts to denote subtraction or negative values:<\/p>\n
\n
The result was −5°C.
\nThe stock price dropped to −$20.
\n10 − 3 = 7
\n7 − 2 = 5<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Ellipsis<\/h2>\n
An ellipsis indicates an omission in the text, an unfinished thought, or a pause, and is represented by three dots: …<\/p>\n
An ellipsis is different from simply typing three dots in a row:<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n
An ellipsis and three dots<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Sometimes, an ellipsis is used along with a question mark or an exclamation mark, in which case the ellipsis is before the question or exclamation mark: ...? or ...!<\/p>\n
\n
Are you really sure about this…?
\nYou actually did it…!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It’s incorrect to write two dots (..) or more than three dots (…...) – this is considered poor grammar.<\/p>\n
Ellipses can show the omission of one or more whole paragraphs of prose. This passage, for example, contains two ellipses:<\/p>\n
\n
The fact is, Lady Bracknell, I said I had lost my parents. It would be nearer the truth to say that my parents seem to have lost me... I don’t actually know who I am by birth. I was... well, I was found.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In the following extract, the square brackets make clear which are in the original and which have been added subsequently:<\/p>\n
\n
The fact is, Lady Bracknell, [...] my parents seem to have lost me... I don’t actually know who I am [...]. I was... well, I was found.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Brackets<\/h2>\n
Parentheses or  round brackets ( )<\/b>
\nParentheses are used to include supplementary information, explanations, or clarifications that are not essential to the main text:<\/p>\n
\n
The project was completed on time (despite some minor delays).
\nShe arrived late (after the meeting started).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Square brackets [ ]<\/b>
\nSquare brackets are used to insert editorial comments or clarifications into quoted text or to make changes to a quotation:<\/p>\n
\n
He said, ‘She [the manager] will handle the request.’<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
If both parentheses and square brackets are used in the same text, the parentheses are typically used inside the brackets for nested information:<\/p>\n
\n
The email [which I received last week (on Friday)] was quite detailed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Angle brackets < > and curly brackets { }<\/b>
\nThese brackets are mainly used in technical, mathematical, and programming contexts. They are not commonly used in regular text.<\/p>\n
Quotation marks<\/h2>\n
British English: <\/b>‘Single quotes’ for primary use, “double quotes” for quotes within quotes. Commas and full stops go inside only if they are part of the quoted material.<\/p>\n
\n
‘I can’t believe it’s raining,’ she said.
\n‘She said, “I can’t believe it’s raining.”’
\nLook at the letters ‘A’, ‘C’, and ‘M’.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
American English:<\/b> “Double quotes” for primary use, ‘single quotes’ for quotes within quotes. Commas and full stops go inside quotation marks.<\/p>\n
\n
“I can’t believe it’s raining,” she said.
\n“She said, ‘I can’t believe it’s raining.’”
\nLook at the letters "A," "C," and "M."<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Question marks and exclamation marks are placed inside if they are part of the quoted material for both British and American English; otherwise, they go outside.<\/p>\n
\n
‘Are you coming?’ she asked.
\nDid he really say, ‘It’s raining’?
\n“Are you coming?” she asked.
\nDid he really say, “It’s raining”?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Single quotation marks:<\/p>\n
&#8216; and &#8217;<\/code><\/pre>
Double quotation marks:<\/p>\n
&#8220; and &#8221;<\/code><\/pre>
Guillemets<\/b> (« ») are used in several languages for quotations and direct speech. Their usage can vary, so it’s important to follow the conventions of the specific language or style guide you are using.<\/p>\n
\n
Russian: «Привет, как дела?»
\nFrench: « Bonjour, comment ça va ? »
\n-In French typography, the non-breaking space after the opening guillemet and before the closing guillemet is essential for maintaining the text’s visual balance and readability.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Quotes<\/h2>\n
When including quotations in your text, you typically use standard quotation marks to set them off from the rest of the content. However, to draw more attention or add a stylistic touch, you can use decorative quotation marks:<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Feel free to experiment with decorative ones to fit your design needs.<\/p>\n
Lettering<\/h2>\n
Uppercase letters<\/b> are great for headings or short quotes, but they shouldn’t be used for body text. They tend to shout and grab attention, so use them sparingly. Make sure to add extra letter spacing to ensure they remain legible.<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n
Without proper spacing, uppercase letters can merge and become difficult to read<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
Lowercase letters<\/b> should not be spaced out. Text with wide tracking is harder to read and looks untidy:<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n
Text with wide tracking on the right<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
To highlight a word in lowercase, use italics or bold instead.<\/p>\n
Italic<\/b> type is used to indicate emphasis or heavy stress in speech; to style titles, headings, indexes, and cross-references generally; and to indicate foreign words and phrases.<\/p>\n
\n
I don’t care how<\/i> you get here, just get<\/i> here.
\nSuch style, such grace<\/i>, is astounding.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Bold<\/b> is used to attract attention and is ideal for headings.<\/p>\n
Small caps<\/b> are perfect for abbreviations, Roman numerals, or highlighting names. Like uppercase letters, small caps should have extra spacing. They differ in height from regular uppercase and lowercase letters:<\/p>\n
\n\"\"\n
<\/dive><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Avoid using small caps for body text, as they can be challenging to read.<\/p>\n
Lists<\/h2>\n
A list is made of an introductory paragraph followed by a series of points. Here’s a quick guide to ordered and unordered list types.<\/p>\n
Ordered lists<\/h3>\n
Use numbers or letters when the sequence is important, or when many items need referencing.<\/p>\n
A numbered list is ideal when each item is a complete sentence.<\/p>\n
\n
To make a delicious eggs in three steps:<\/p>\n
    \n
  1. Place a knob of butter in a pan on a high hit.<\/li>\n
  2. Once the butter is melted, crack eggs into the pan and reduce the heat to medium.<\/li>\n
  3. Wait until the white of the eggs is fully cooked. Enjoy!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    You can also use Roman numerals (I, II, III) or capital letters if preferred (A, B, C).<\/p>\n
    Ordered lists with right parentheses are useful when the items are part of a single sentence. End each item with a comma or semicolon, and finish the last item with a full stop.<\/p>\n
    \n
    There are four terrestrial planets in our solar system:
    \n1) Mercury,
    \n2) Venus,
    \n3) Earth,
    \n4) Mars.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    \n
    Before leaving the house, don’t forget to:
    \na) turn off all electrical devices;
    \nb) take your phone and headphones;
    \nc) close the door and take the keys out of the lock.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    Unordered lists<\/h3>\n
    Use bullet points when the order isn’t important. Items can end with a comma, semicolon, or full stop, depending on whether they are complete sentences. Traditionally, the black dot (•) is used as a marker in bullet point lists.<\/p>\n
    \n
    Apple produces and sells:
    \n• laptops,
    \n• phones,
    \n• desktops,
    \n• tablets,
    \n• watches.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    You can also omit the bullet symbol altogether and use indentation for a cleaner look:<\/p>\n
    \n
    Apple produces and sells:<\/p>\n