Point

In printing and typography, a point is a unit of measurement used to define the size of text, the thickness of lines, and the spacing between elements. One point is equal to 1/72 of an inch, or approximately 0.353 millimeters.

Synonym

pt

Examples

• Font Size: A font size of 12 points means each character is 12/72 of an inch high. Common text sizes include 10 pt, 12 pt, and 14 pt.
• Line Thickness: When specifying the thickness of lines or borders in a design, you might choose a weight of 1 pt for a thin line or 3 pt for a thicker line.

Recommendations

• When to Use: Use points to specify font sizes, line weights, and other typographic measurements to ensure consistency and precision in your print and digital designs.
• Considerations: While points are a standard unit in typography, always check how the size appears in your final output, as screen displays and print can vary. For detailed work, especially in print, testing different point sizes can help achieve the desired visual effect.

Points provide a straightforward way to manage and standardize the size of text and graphical elements, ensuring your designs look just as you envision. Contact AP&B to learn more today!