A page can contain many attractive text sizes without helping someone find the important information. A useful type scale gives each level a recognizable role, from the main title to supporting detail.
Begin with comfortable body text and a small set of distinct headings. Weight, spacing, and placement can provide emphasis alongside size. Avoid turning every new component into a new typographic level.
Read a realistic page rather than a specimen containing only short phrases. Long titles, numbers, and explanatory paragraphs reveal whether the scale supports the actual content. The aim is a readable hierarchy that survives ordinary variation.
- Give each text level a role.
- Begin with readable body text.
- Try the scale with realistic content.
An example to consider.
Consider an article with a title, section headings, and captions. Their sizes should explain their roles rather than compete equally for attention.
Put it in perspective.
Consistency is valuable where it carries learned meaning. Keep familiar behavior dependable while allowing different tasks to have the structure they need.
Follow a related question
Name the purpose of the sequence.
Select photographs around the storyKeep a small current entry point.
A reading list with an entry pointKeep learning
Related background to continue exploring this subject.
W3C: understanding accessibility criteria MDN: responsive images
