11-point type is also a reasonable choice. Headlines require larger sizes,
ranging from 18 to 72 points or more, to achieve a dramatic look.
The space between two lines of type is called leading (pronounced
“ledding”). The term comes from the days of hot-metal typesetting,
when thin bands of metal, usually lead, separated the rows of type.
Leading can greatly affect the readability of your publication.
Leading can be loosened by adding more space between lines or tight-
ened until the letters nearly touch or even overlap. Tight leading saves
space, but it also tends to make a page looked cramped and uninviting.
Designers for alternative magazines and Nike ads have used overlapping
type to suggest an attitude that breaks the rules. Note that leading, like
type size, is measured in points.
The following example is 24-point type with 18 points of leading (it
is tight):

Neck massage may zap

pain of headaches

This is 24-point type with 26 points of leading, which is normal:

Neck massage may zap

pain of headaches

Here is 24-point type with 42 points of leading (it is loose):

Neck massage may zap

pain of headaches

TYPOGRAPHY, HEADLINES AND INFOGRAPHICS^357

Aa

30 Point Type 60 Point Type 90 Point Type

Aa Aa

FIGURE 16.

LETTER HEIGHT (POINTS)

leading

the space between two lines of

type; pronounced “ledding”