Need tips for formatting text on your web site? Here are design tips that are guaranteed to improve the readability and quality of the content on your site:

1. Choosing the appropriate font. When choosing a font, you want to choose a standard font that the majority of computers will be able to view. Almost all computers can display these fonts correctly:

Sans Serif: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Geneva

Serif: Times, Times New Roman, Georgia

Mono: Courier, Courier New

It is recommended to choose a Sans Serif font when designing for the web. Serif fonts are more easy to read in printed materials like books or magazines, while Sans Serif fonts are easier to read on a computer screen.

2. Choosing a font size. When choosing a font size, you can either choose a point size or specific size like pixel height. The advantage of choosing a point size is that it will adjust to the size of a viewers monitor so it won't be hard to read on a smaller screen. The advantage to a specific size like pixel height is that the size remains the same regardless of screen size, which gives you the most control over your design, but may be hard to read on a smaller screen.

3. Placing your text on the page. It is recommended that you place your most important text within the top portion of the web page, so you are designing above the fold. The idea is that you don't want people to have to scroll to find the important text on your site. Also, if you have a lot of text, place your text in columns, which is easier to read because your visitors don't have to move their eyes as much.

4. Aligning your text. This is very important. When aligning your text, you want to make it easy to read. Most people read from left to right, so it is recommended to align text to the left of a column for readability. However, you can also align text to the right, center it, or justify the text so each line spreads evenly.

5. Choosing text color. The easiest text to read is black on a white background. When choosing a text/background color, you want the two to contrast so the text is easy to read, while diminishing eye strain. Their are many color themes that work well together, so test out the ones you like best.

6. Adding links. When adding links to your formatted text, you want them to stand out so that your visitors know they can be clicked on. Changing the color, adding an underline, are the most common ways to define a link.

7. CSS VS. HTML for styles. When adding styles to your fonts by choosing colors, font type, etc., it is recommended that you use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) instead of HTML. CSS gives you much more control over how your web page will look, and offers many other unique style attributes that HTML doesn't. The downside is that CSS takes time to learn, but once you do, you will be able to design fantastic looking web sites.

I hope these tips help you to design a great web site! Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Alex Landis.
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