Readability & Fonts

SIZE

The Americans with Disabilities Association recommends text to be size 14 pt. or larger to be accessible. Be sure to up the size of the deck when possible and refrain from resizing text to a smaller point size.  Bodycopy fonts will not be changing size at this time, but you should be aware of the ADA standard. 

Do not resize agate type smaller than 7 pts. Most pen readers cannot identify font smaller than 7 pts. Talk with the editor about accessibility or reach out to your team lead for support. 

SERIF OR
SANS SERIF

Sans serif font has been deemed the most accessible font. Use sans serif fonts for content an older portion of the audience may be interested in. The example on the right uses sans serif font on a story about boosting energy. 

Content examples: a story on retirement benefits or 5 stretches to remedy back pain. 

AVOID HIGH
VARIABLE THICKNESS

Text with high variable thickness can be inaccessible because of the low weight on some strokes of the font. Avoid using high variable thickness fonts when possible.

If you must use a high variable thickness font, run text at a larger size, use the medium/bold version and utilize High Contrast Colors. 

MINIMIZE CURLY &
CURSIVE FONTS

Younger generations are no longer taught to read cursive. The variability in the strokes can also make a headline more difficult to read for someone with vision impairments. 

This does not mean you can never use a curly or cursive font, however, you should use them sparingly.

Cursive and curly fonts are most accessible when the cursive letters resemble print letters and the headline can be understood without the word in cursive or curly font (see an example of appropriate curly/cursive font on the right "Fall Fun Guide").