2 Typography
Typography and typesetting elements
2.1 Headings link
Any header elements may include links, as depicted in the examples. The secondary header above is an
h2
element, which may be used for any form of important page-level header.
More than one may be used per page. Consider using an h2
unless you need a header level
of less importance, or as a sub-header to an existing h2
element.
Usage
<h1>H1 Top-Level Header <a href="#">Link</a></h1>
<h2>H2 Second-Level Header <a href="#">Link</a></h2>
<h3>H3 Third-Level Header <a href="#">Link</a></h3>
<h4>H4 Fourth-Level Header <a href="#">Link</a></h4>
<h5>H5 Fifth-Level Header <a href="#">Link</a></h5>
<h6>H6 Sixth-Level Header <a href="#">Link</a></h6>
2.2 Copy link
The following font is applied to body copy using typekit:
font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif
using the font size of 16px
2.3 Grouping link
Various elements can be used to group content effectively. NOTE: some of these elements inherit styling from Foundation.
2.3.1 Paragraphs link
All paragraphs are wrapped in p
tags. Additionally, p
elements can be wrapped with a blockquote
element if the p
element is indeed a quote. Historically, blockquote
has been used
purely to force indents, but this is now achieved using CSS. Reserve blockquote
for quotes.
Usage
All paragraphs are wrapped in p
tags.
<p>All paragraphs are wrapped in <code>p</code> tags.</p>
2.3.2 Horizontal Rule link
The hr
element represents a paragraph-level thematic break, e.g. a scene change
in a story, or a transition to another topic within a section of a reference book. The following
extract from Pandora’s Star by Peter F. Hamilton shows two paragraphs that
precede a scene change and the paragraph that follows it:
Usage
Dudley was ninety-two, in his second life, and fast approaching time for another rejuvenation. Despite his body having the physical age of a standard fifty-year-old, the prospect of a long degrading campaign within academia was one he regarded with dread. For a supposedly advanced civilization, the Intersolar Commonwearth could be appallingly backward at times, not to mention cruel.
Maybe it won’t be that bad, he told himself. The lie was comforting enough to get him through the rest of the night’s shift.
The Carlton AllLander drove Dudley home just after dawn. Like the astronomer, the vehicle was old and worn, but perfectly capable of doing its job. It had a cheap diesel engine, common enough on a semi-frontier world like Gralmond, although its drive array was a thoroughly modern photoneural processor. With its high suspension and deep-tread tyres it could plough along the dirt track to the observatory in all weather and seasons, including the metre-deep snow of Gralmond’s winters.
<p>Dudley was ninety-two, in his second life, and fast approaching time for another rejuvenation. Despite his body having the physical age of a standard fifty-year-old, the prospect of a long degrading campaign within academia was one he regarded with dread. For a supposedly advanced civilization, the Intersolar Commonwearth could be appallingly backward at times, not to mention cruel.</p>
<p><i>Maybe it won’t be that bad</i>, he told himself. The lie was comforting enough to get him through the rest of the night’s shift.</p>
<hr/>
<p>The Carlton AllLander drove Dudley home just after dawn. Like the astronomer, the vehicle was old and worn, but perfectly capable of doing its job. It had a cheap diesel engine, common enough on a semi-frontier world like Gralmond, although its drive array was a thoroughly modern photoneural processor. With its high suspension and deep-tread tyres it could plough along the dirt track to the observatory in all weather and seasons, including the metre-deep snow of Gralmond’s winters.</p>
2.3.3 Pre-Formatted Text link
The pre
element represents a block of pre-formatted text, in which
structure is represented by typographic conventions rather than by elements.
Such examples are an e-mail (with paragraphs indicated by blank lines, lists indicated
by lines prefixed with a bullet), fragments of computer code (with structure indicated
according to the conventions of that language) or displaying ASCII art. Here’s an example
showing the printable characters of ASCII:
Usage
! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = > ? @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ \ ] ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z { | } ~
<pre><samp>  ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . /
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = > ?
@ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O
P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ \ ] ^ _
` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o
p q r s t u v w x y z { | } ~</samp></pre>
2.3.4 Blockquotes link
The blockquote
element represents a section that is being quoted from another source.
Usage
Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.
<blockquote cite="http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1947/nov/11/parliament-bill#column_206">
<p>Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.</p>
</blockquote>
2.4 Lists link
Styles for both ordered and unordered lists are available. Include block elements within a single list item as appropriate. Sometimes we may want each list item to contain block elements, typically a paragraph or two.
Usage
-
The British Isles is an archipelago consisting of the two large islands of Great Britain and Ireland, and many smaller surrounding islands.
Great Britain is the largest island of the archipelago. Ireland is the second largest island of the archipelago and lies directly to the west of Great Britain.
-
The full list of islands in the British Isles includes over 1,000 islands, of which 51 have an area larger than 20 km2.
<!-- example of a list using multiple block level elements inside the li -->
<ul>
<li>
<p>The British Isles is an archipelago consisting of the two large islands of Great Britain and Ireland, and many smaller surrounding islands.</p>
<p>Great Britain is the largest island of the archipelago. Ireland is the second largest island of the archipelago and lies directly to the west of Great Britain.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The full list of islands in the British Isles includes over 1,000 islands, of which 51 have an area larger than 20 km<sup>2</sup>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
2.4.1 Ordered List link
The ol
element denotes an ordered list, and various numbering schemes
are available through the CSS (including 1,2,3… a,b,c… i,ii,iii… and so on).
Each item requires a surrounding <li>
and </li>
tag,
to denote individual items within the list (as you may have guessed, li
stands for list item).
Usage
- This is an ordered list.
-
This is the second item, which contains a sub list
- This is the sub list, which is also ordered.
- It has two items.
- This is the final item on this list.
<ol>
<li>This is an ordered list.</li>
<li>
This is the second item, which contains a sub list
<ol>
<li>This is the sub list, which is also ordered.</li>
<li>It has two items.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>This is the final item on this list.</li>
</ol>
2.4.2 Unordered List link
The ul
element denotes an unordered list (ie. a list of loose items that
don’t require numbering, or a bulleted list). Again, each item requires a surrounding
<li>
and </li>
tag, to denote individual items.
Here is an example list showing the constituent parts of the British Isles:
Usage
-
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Republic of Ireland
- Isle of Man
-
Channel Islands:
- Bailiwick of Guernsey
- Bailiwick of Jersey
<ul>
<li>
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
<ul>
<li>England</li>
<li>Scotland</li>
<li>Wales</li>
<li>Northern Ireland</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Republic of Ireland</li>
<li>Isle of Man</li>
<li>
Channel Islands:
<ul>
<li>Bailiwick of Guernsey</li>
<li>Bailiwick of Jersey</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
2.4.3 Definition List link
The dl
element is for another type of list called a definition list.
Instead of list items, the content of a dl
consists of dt
(Definition Term) and dd
(Definition description) pairs.
Though it may be called a “definition list”, dl
can apply
to other scenarios where a parent/child relationship is applicable. For example,
it may be used for marking up dialogues, with each dt
naming a speaker,
and each dd
containing his or her words.
Usage
- This is a term.
- This is the definition of that term, which both live in a
dl
. - Here is another term.
- And it gets a definition too, which is this line.
- Here is term that shares a definition with the term below.
- Here is a defined term.
dt
terms may stand on their own without an accompanyingdd
, but in that case they share descriptions with the next availabledt
. You may not have add
without a parentdt
.
<dl>
<dt>This is a term.</dt>
<dd>This is the definition of that term, which both live in a <code>dl</code>.</dd>
<dt>Here is another term.</dt>
<dd>And it gets a definition too, which is this line.</dd>
<dt>Here is term that shares a definition with the term below.</dt>
<dt>Here is a defined term.</dt>
<dd><code>dt</code> terms may stand on their own without an accompanying <code>dd</code>, but in that case they <em>share</em> descriptions with the next available <code>dt</code>. You may not have a <code>dd</code> without a parent <code>dt</code>.</dd>
</dl>
2.5 Figures link
Figures are usually used to refer to images. When you wish to cite the source of a quote, you should do so using a figure also.
Usage
‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.
<!-- image example -->
<figure>
<img src="http://lorempixel.com/680/400/abstract" alt="Example image"/>
<figcaption>
This is a placeholder image, with supporting caption.
</figcaption>
</figure>
<!-- text example -->
<figure>
<p>‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves<br/>
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;<br/>
All mimsy were the borogoves,<br/>
And the mome raths outgrabe.</p>
<figcaption>
<cite>Jabberwocky</cite> (first verse). Lewis Carroll, 1832-98
</figcaption>
</figure>
<!-- figcaption used as a citation -->
<blockquote cite="http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1947/nov/11/parliament-bill#column_206">
<p>Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.</p>
</blockquote>
<figcaption>
Winston Churchill, in <cite><a href="http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1947/nov/11/parliament-bill#column_206">a speech to the House of Commons</a></cite>. 11th November 1947
</figcaption>
2.6 Text Semantics link
There are a number of inline HTML elements you may use anywhere within other elements.
2.6.1 Links and anchors link
The a
element is used to hyperlink text, be that to another page,
a named fragment on the current page or any other location on the web. a
s placed
within paragraphs will get special styles to visually distinguish them from regular copy.
<a href="/">Home</a>
<p><a href="/">Go to the home page</a> or <a href="#banner">return to the top of this page</a>.</p>
2.6.2 Emphasis and Italic, Strong and Bold link
The em
element is used to denote text with stressed emphasis,
i.e., something you’d pronounce differently. Where italicizing is
required for stylistic differentiation, the i
element may be preferable.
The i
element is used for text in an alternate voice or mood, or otherwise offset
from the normal prose. Examples include taxonomic designations, technical terms, idiomatic
phrases from another language, the name of a ship or other spans of text whose typographic
presentation is typically italicised.
The strong
element is used to denote text with strong importance. Where bolding
is used for stylistic differentiation, the b
element may be preferable.
The b
element is used for text stylistically offset from normal prose
without conveying extra importance, such as key words in a document abstract, product
names in a review, or other spans of text whose typographic presentation is typically
emboldened.
Usage
You simply must try the negitoro maki!
There is a certain je ne sais quoi in the air.
Don’t stick nails in the electrical outlet.
You enter a small room. Your sword glows brighter. A rat scurries past the corner wall.
<p>You simply <em>must</em> try the negitoro maki!</p>
<p>There is a certain <i lang="fr">je ne sais quoi</i> in the air.</p>
<p><strong>Don’t</strong> stick nails in the electrical outlet.</p>
<p>You enter a small room. Your <b>sword</b> glows brighter. A <b>rat</b> scurries past the corner wall.</p>
2.6.3 Small Print link
The small element is used to represent disclaimers, caveats, legal restrictions, or copyrights (commonly referred to as ‘small print’). It can also be used for attributions or satisfying licensing requirements.
Usage
Copyright © 1922-2011 Acme Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
<p><small>Copyright © 1922-2011 Acme Corporation. All Rights Reserved.</small></p>
2.6.4 Strikethrough vs. Del link
The s
element is used to represent content that is no longer accurate
or relevant. When indicating document edits i.e., marking a span of text as having been
removed from a document, use the del
element instead.
The del
element is used to represent deleted or retracted text which still must
remain on the page for some reason. Meanwhile its counterpart, the ins
element,
is used to represent inserted text. Both del
and ins
have a
datetime
attribute which allows you to include a timestamp directly in the element.
Usage
Now selling for just £2.99 a bottle!
She bought two five pairs of shoes.
<s>Recommended retail price: £3.99 per bottle</s><br/><strong>Now selling for just £2.99 a bottle!</strong>
<p>She bought <del datetime="2005-05-30T13:00:00">two</del> <ins datetime="2005-05-30T13:00:00">five</ins> pairs of shoes.</p>
2.6.5 Citations link
The cite
element is used to represent the title of a work
(e.g. a book, essay, poem, song, film, TV show, sculpture, painting,
musical, exhibition, etc). This can be a work that is being quoted
or referenced in detail (i.e. a citation), or it can just be a work
that is mentioned in passing.
Usage
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations, December 1948. Adopted by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III).
<p><cite>Universal Declaration of Human Rights</cite>, United Nations, December 1948. Adopted by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III).</p>
2.6.6 Inline quotes link
The q
element is used for quoting text inline. Example showing nested quotations:
Usage
John said, I saw Lucy at lunch, she told me
Mary wants you to get some ice cream on your way home
. I think I will get some at Ben and Jerry’s, on Gloucester Road.
<p>John said, <q>I saw Lucy at lunch, she told me <q>Mary wants you to get some ice cream on your way home</q>. I think I will get some at Ben and Jerry’s, on Gloucester Road.</q></p>
2.6.7 Definition link
The dfn
element is used to highlight the first use of a term.
The title
attribute can be used to describe the term.
Usage
Bob’s canine mother and equine father sat him down and carefully explained that he was an allopolyploid organism.
<p>Bob’s <dfn title="Dog">canine</dfn> mother and <dfn title="Horse">equine</dfn> father sat him down and carefully explained that he was an <dfn title="A mutation that combines two or more sets of chromosomes from different species">allopolyploid</dfn> organism.</p>
2.6.8 Abbreviation link
The abbr
element is used for any abbreviated text,
whether it be acronym, initialism, or otherwise. Generally, it’s
less work and useful (enough) to mark up only the first occurrence of
any particular abbreviation on a page, and ignore the rest. Any text
in the title
attribute will appear when the user’s
mouse hovers the abbreviation (although notably, this does not work in
Internet Explorer for Windows).
Usage
BBC, HTML, and Staffs.
<p><abbr title="British Broadcasting Corportation">BBC</abbr>, <abbr title="HyperText Markup Language">HTML</abbr>, and <abbr title="Staffordshire">Staffs.</abbr></p>
2.6.9 Time link
The time
element is used to represent either a time on a
24 hour clock, or a precise date in the proleptic Gregorian calendar,
optionally with a time and a time-zone offset.
Usage
Queen Elizabeth II was proclaimed sovereign of each of the Commonwealth realms on and , after the death of her father, King George VI.
<p>Queen Elizabeth II was proclaimed sovereign of each of the Commonwealth realms on <time datetime="1952-02-6">6</time> and <time datetime="1952-02-7">7 February 1952</time>, after the death of her father, King George VI.</p>
2.6.10 Code link
The code
element is used to represent fragments of computer code.
Useful for technology-oriented sites, not so useful otherwise.
Usage
When you call the activate()
method on the robotSnowman
object, the eyes glow.
function getJelly() {
echo $aDeliciousSnack;
}
<!-- used inline -->
<p>When you call the <code>activate()</code> method on the <code>robotSnowman</code> object, the eyes glow.</p>
<!-- used in conjunction with pre -->
<pre><code>function getJelly() {
    echo $aDeliciousSnack;
}</code></pre>
2.6.11 Variable link
The var
element is used to denote a variable in a mathematical
expression or programming context, but can also be used to indicate a placeholder
where the contents should be replaced with your own value.
Usage
If there are n pipes leading to the ice cream factory then I expect at least n flavours of ice cream to be available for purchase!
<p>If there are <var>n</var> pipes leading to the ice cream factory then I expect at <em>least</em> <var>n</var> flavours of ice cream to be available for purchase!</p>
2.6.12 Sample output link
The samp
element is used to represent (sample) output from a program
or computing system. Useful for technology-oriented sites, not so useful otherwise.
Usage
The computer said Too much cheese in tray two but I didn’t know what that meant.
<p>The computer said <samp>Too much cheese in tray two</samp> but I didn’t know what that meant.</p>
2.6.13 Keyboard entry link
The kbd
element is used to denote user input (typically via a keyboard,
although it may also be used to represent other input methods, such as voice commands).
Usage
To take a screenshot on your Mac, press ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + 3.
<p>To take a screenshot on your Mac, press <kbd>⌘ Cmd</kbd> + <kbd>⇧ Shift</kbd> + <kbd>3</kbd>.</p>
2.6.14 Superscript and subscript text link
The sup
element represents a superscript and the sub element represents
a sub
. These elements must be used only to mark up typographical conventions
with specific meanings, not for typographical presentation. As a guide, only use
these elements if their absence would change the meaning of the content.
Usage
The coordinate of the ith point is (xi, yi). For example, the 10th point has coordinate (x10, y10).
f(x, n) = log4xn
<p>The coordinate of the <var>i</var>th point is (<var>x<sub><var>i</var></sub></var>, <var>y<sub><var>i</var></sub></var>). For example, the 10th point has coordinate (<var>x<sub>10</sub></var>, <var>y<sub>10</sub></var>).</p>
<p>f(<var>x</var>, <var>n</var>) = log<sub>4</sub><var>x</var><sup><var>n</var></sup></p>
2.6.15 Marked or highlighted text link
The mark
element is used to represent a run of text marked or highlighted
for reference purposes. When used in a quotation it indicates a highlight not originally
present but added to bring the reader’s attention to that part of the text. When used
in the main prose of a document, it indicates a part of the document that has been
highlighted due to its relevance to the user’s current activity.
Usage
I also have some kittens who are visiting me these days. They’re really cute. I think they like my garden! Maybe I should adopt a kitten.
<p>I also have some <mark>kitten</mark>s who are visiting me these days. They’re really cute. I think they like my garden! Maybe I should adopt a <mark>kitten</mark>.</p>
2.6.16 Tables link
Tables should be used when displaying tabular data. The thead
, tfoot
and tbody
elements enable you to group rows within each a table.
If you use these elements, you must use every element. They should appear in this order:
thead
, tfoot
and tbody
, so that browsers can render
the foot before receiving all the data. You must use these tags within the table element.
Usage
Ingredients | Serves 12 | Serves 24 |
---|---|---|
Milk | 1 quart | 2 quart |
Cinnamon Sticks | 2 | 1 |
Vanilla Bean, Split | 1 | 2 |
Cloves | 5 | 10 |
Mace | 10 blades | 20 blades |
Egg Yolks | 12 | 24 |
Cups Sugar | 1 ½ cups | 3 cups |
Dark Rum | 1 ½ cups | 3 cups |
Brandy | 1 ½ cups | 3 cups |
Vanilla | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp |
Half-and-half or Light Cream | 1 quart | 2 quart |
Freshly grated nutmeg to taste |
<table>
<caption>The Very Best Eggnog</caption>
<colgroup>
<col style="width:50%" />
<col style="width:25%" />
<col style="width:25%" />
</colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col">Ingredients</th>
<th scope="col">Serves 12</th>
<th scope="col">Serves 24</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Milk</td>
<td>1 quart</td>
<td>2 quart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cinnamon Sticks</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanilla Bean, Split</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cloves</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mace</td>
<td>10 blades</td>
<td>20 blades</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Egg Yolks</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cups Sugar</td>
<td>1 ½ cups</td>
<td>3 cups</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dark Rum</td>
<td>1 ½ cups</td>
<td>3 cups</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandy</td>
<td>1 ½ cups</td>
<td>3 cups</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanilla</td>
<td>1 tbsp</td>
<td>2 tbsp</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Half-and-half or Light Cream</td>
<td>1 quart</td>
<td>2 quart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Freshly grated nutmeg to taste</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>