Newcastle University

Good Practice for Printed Publications

These notes relate specifically to making documents accessible, for guidance on writing for university publications please review the University House Style Guidance from the  Marketing and Communications Directorate.

Basics

• Use a minimum font size of 12 point
• Ensure good contrast between letters and the background.
• Avoid underlining large volumes of text and the use of block capitals
• Don’t underline hyperlinks
• For handouts be prepared to offer some on cream paper and some in large print (16 point text or greater), or make it available electronically before the event
• Use matte finish rather than gloss paper

Even Better

• Use clear language and keep it as straight forward as possible.
• Use concepts and terminology consistently
• Use lists and bullet points to set out lists
• Avoid long blocks of continuous text - break text into paragraphs and use headings
• Use clear fonts
• Left align text on the page
• Emphasize text with bold rather than italics
• Provide captions for pictures
• Display page numbers

Superb

• Avoid placing text on top of images or patterned backgrounds
• Avoid complex table layouts if possible