Leading

Body Copy

Line spacing, called leading, is critical to setting professional-looking type that’s easy to read. Leading should be set tight, but not too tight. With our typefaces, text generally looks best with leading set slightly looser than the default.

This leading is correct.

example of correct leading

This leading is too loose.

example of loose leading

This leading is too tight.

example of leading too tight

Headlines

While the same general leading rules for body copy apply to headlines, leading for headlines will usually be a little tighter. This is because we typically our headlines are typically shorter and in a bold, block typeface or in all caps. Headlines set at smaller sizes may need more leading than headlines set at larger sizes. We want to be sure our that headlines can be read quickly and easily, and leading that’s too tight at small point sizes makes this difficult. Trust your eye, not the number. If it looks too tight, it probably is.

example of correct leading in a heading

example of too much leading in a headline

example of not enough leading in a headline

Helpful Hint for Body Copy

Start with leading that’s two points higher than the point size of the text. This won’t always be right, but leading can be adjusted most easily from there. Smaller blocks of text may need leading that’s slightly more open.

Helpful Hint for Headlines

Start with leading that’s three points less than the point size of the headline. Reduce further until you have a headline that reads comfortably and cohesively.

Remember, the examples shown on this page are only guides. Each piece you create will have its own needs and restrictions, so use your best judgment when setting your own headlines.