0 User Instructions
Uploaded by
Jason0 User Instructions
Uploaded by
JasonTYPESETTER
TEMPLATE
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT IS THIS TOOL?
The Typesetter Template is a plug-and-play tool for testing 1 OPEN ADOBE INDESIGN OR AFFINITY PUBLISHER
your game’s primary font, size, and leading.
You may get a prompt to replace typefaces upon opening the file. IBM Plex
Condensed Bold is the typeface for noting what typeface you’re using. IBM
A PRIMER ON BODY TEXT
Plex Condensed Regular is used to label each entry with sizing. IBM Plex
Sans Light is the typeface you will be replacing.
Body text or the “body paragraph” is your primary type
treatment for the bulk of your content.
2 FIND AND REPLACE YOUR TYPEFACE
A typeface is a visual design for type (sometimes called
a “font family”). A font—like bold, italic, oblique, and InDesign Users: go to Type > Find/Replace Font... then click on IBM Plex
super—are variations of that typeface. A big misconception Sans Light and go to Replace With... Choose your prospective font in the
among new designers is that point size is consistant across drop down-menu and press Change All.
typefaces. It isn’t. Size, legibility, and readability change
from one typeface to another. Publisher Users: go to Text > Find... then press the gear icon next to Find in
the Find & Replace window.
One typeface in 11 pt sizing might look tiny next to one in
9 pt sizing. The difference can be extreme. From there, select Format. A new pop-up window will appear. Inside that
window, select Character > Font Family and choose IBM Plex Sans Light.
Line spacing or “leading” (rhymes with “sledding”) is the Click Ok.
vertical distance between lines of text. Ideal line spacing is
often between 120% and 145% of the type’s overall size. Go back to the Find & Replace window and press the gear icon next to
Replace. Choose format and repeat all the steps from before; only this time,
choose the typeface you’ll be replacing IBM Plex Sans Light with.
HOW TO USE THIS TOOL Finally, return to the Find & Replace window and press Replace All to swap
the typefaces.
The only way to vet a typeface for your project is to see
it in action. The Typesetting Template is a shortcut. It won’t
give you the exact size and leading you need, but it can
quickly show you options to narrow your search. 3 LABEL YOUR TYPESETTING SAMPLES
This tool presents type in half increments between 12 Once you’ve inserted your typeface, you’ll want to make sure every entry is
pts (probably too big) and 8.5 pts (probably too small). labeled for future use.
Inside are line spacing or leading options in 5% increments
between 120% and 145% of the type size. InDesign Users: go to Edit > Find/Change... then type “Sample Typeface”
and replace it with the name of the typeface and font you inserted. Click
All you have to do is replace the IBM Plex Sans Light change all.
typeface with yours, and you’ll get 48 combinations in a
dozen clicks. Publisher Users: go to Text > Find... then type “Sample Typeface” and
replace it with the name of your typeface and font in the Find & Replace
window. Click change all.
4 TRANSFER, PRINT, REPEAT
Now that you have samples, it’s time to start dialing in your type. I
recommend you copy and paste your favorite options from the template into
a separate printable document.
Print those options out, see how they look in real life, and start tweaking.
Your ideal combination likely falls between the options of this template.
I’ve made this template produce options with set percentage ratios for
consistency across type sizes. In practice, I’d want to use a combination
with whole number point sizing in leading.
Feel free to modify this template for fine-tuning. Until next time!