Large Print Guidelines
How to create Large Print documents that are easy for all to read
Determining Large Print for individual use can be a difficult process owing to the fact that the needs of individuals will vary greatly. Large print is a format that is used by those with a range of print disabilities including older Australians with diminished vision, individuals with sight loss, those with learning difficulties or literacy difficulties.
The following guidelines have been prepared using international standards and the standards adopted by the Round Table for the Print Disabled. The Guidelines are a representation of a format that will suit most users who can access this material.
Font Size
Large print font size should be at least 18 point in size.
Bold, Underline and Italics
Bold and underlining should be used to highlight specific sections in the text such as headings, quotations or crucial areas which need identifying. Italics should not be used in any circumstances as this distorts the type face making information potentially difficult to read.
Font Type
It is a good idea to avoid complicated, decorative fonts and instead use fonts with easily recognised characters. Some people find fonts such as Arial easier to read; Serifs add another dimension to the print, particularly when it is small. Sans serifs fonts, Helvetica, Swiss and Arial are generally acceptable if there is sufficient contrast.
Line Spacing
Line spacing within the print that allows spacing between lines of print of at least one and a quarter spaces.
Headings
Large print headings and subheadings should be larger and bolder than regular large print text. Bold or underlined can be used in these instances, italics should not be used.
Justification
Paragraphs in large print should be block style and use 1" margins. The left margin should be justified and the right hand margin should not be justified; there should be no indentations to delineate paragraphs.
Columns and Divided Words
Where possible, columns and divided words should be avoided.
Paper/Stock
Large print should appear black on white, ivory, cream or yellow paper with a dull finish so as not to promote glare.
Graphics
Large print should not be used over a background design or other graphical material.
Large print users should have access to graphics that are not only enlarged, but maintain the same contrast, clarity, and access to appropriate coloration as those prepared for their sighted peers.
Large print materials that are highly graphical in nature, such as maps, graphs and charts, should also adhere to type size, font and other large print guidelines.
When color is not possible, high-quality, black, line drawings are preferred over gray scale.
Other concerns
Large print documents should be no larger in dimension than 9" x 12" x 2 1/4 "
These Guidelines should be used in conjunction with Readability Guidelines issued by Accessible Information Solutions.
More Information
For more information please contact:
- Tony Clark (03) 9864 9702
email: [email protected]
mobile 0417 587 104 - Jay Richards (02) 9334 3556
email: [email protected]
Dowload Large Print Guidelines as a PDF (54KB) or as a Word file (84KB).