As I mentioned here, Typography is more than just choosing a font; it’s about shaping the way text is presented to enhance readability and engagement. One of the most fundamental elements of typography is the paragraph. A well-designed paragraph improves the user experience, making it easier to read, scan, and absorb information. In this in-depth guide, we will explore the best practices for formatting paragraphs in typography, covering everything from line length and spacing to alignment and text structure.
People don’t like reading large blocks of text, especially on digital screens. They are often multitasking, switching between browser tabs, notifications, and work responsibilities. When faced with an overwhelming wall of text, most users will simply skip over it. Proper paragraph formatting helps make content more digestible by breaking it into logical chunks, ensuring that the message is not lost in poor design.
The ideal line length is crucial for readability. According to the U.S. Technology Transformation Services (TTS), the recommended line length is 45-75 characters per line (including spaces). If a line is too long, users struggle to follow from one line to the next. If it is too short, frequent line breaks disrupt the reading flow.
✔ Aim for 45-75 characters per line for optimal readability.
✔ Keep headlines and labels flexible, as they don’t follow the same constraints.
Line height refers to the vertical spacing between lines of text. If the spacing is too tight, words feel crowded and difficult to read. If it is too loose, the text appears disconnected and harder to follow. A general rule of thumb is that line height should be 150% of the font size.