Ebook font and size?

15 years ago

The last time this came up, the consensus (if you can call it that, because there's never really a consensus on this topic) was that 13 point was the best size.

As for which font, well, the serif vs. sans serif debate will never end.

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Kevin AKA Hubcap 15 years ago

IMO nothing smaller than 13. As for font try Arial, Verdana, or Tahoma (sp?) but really it's a decision based on your customers.

Choose something that's easy on the eyes and you can't go wrong.

Kevin
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ErnieB

15 years ago

Thanks for the info. Hmmm my openoffice doesnt offer either of those serif fonts... any alternative?

Thanks
1 reply

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talewins

15 years ago

Originally Posted by livelifeforsuccess

Thanks for the info. Hmmm my openoffice doesnt offer either of those serif fonts... any alternative?

One solution to that problem is to copy everything from some DT that does have the font you want, then paste it into Open Office. Ctrl A, Ctrl C, Ctrl V. Let the new ball of text roll out onto the Open Office Plateau and rearrange it the way you want it to be.

However, I can't remember Open Office ever NOT offering those fonts. My first 20 books were Verdana 13. Then I switched to Arial. At the present time I see 4 arial variations.

I would check again.

Thanks
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malfumos 15 years ago

You must not exceed 14 in size for your ebook because it is recommended to use lower than 14 in size for text in ebook.
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- talewins 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by malfumos
  
  You must not exceed 14 in size for your ebook because it is recommended to use lower than 14 in size for text in ebook.
  
  Suggestions? Rules? To an artist or an author? The Marines fought on the shores of Tripoli so I could use the fonts, sizes AND colors that I want. Depending on where my copy was to be published I have used everything from 6 point to 18 point for the body.
  Kids and older folks need larger sizes. Who writes for kids? I do. Who writes for older folks? I do. The popularity of audio proves not all of us are happy with the standard sizes and colors.
  The Great Question here is, What Works For Me?? What has worked for you?
  I hope it wasn't someone else's Manifesto.
  
  Thanks
  
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  When you strive for greatness you will find that having a professional collaborator at your side can turn all the fuzzy preaching into writing that is smooth as silk and right as rain. http://www.talewins.com/LinStone.htm
  
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ErnieB

15 years ago

Originally Posted by talewins

One solution to that problem is to copy everything from some DT that does have the font you want, then paste it into Open Office. Ctrl A, Ctrl C, Ctrl V. Let the new ball of text roll out onto the Open Office Plateau and rearrange it the way you want it to be.

However, I can't remember Open Office ever NOT offering those fonts. My first 20 books were Verdana 13. Then I switched to Arial. At the present time I see 4 arial variations.

I would check again.

It has arial and verdana and tahoma. It just doesnt have any serif or sans serif fonts available.

Thanks

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Paul1234

15 years ago

For onscreen, I prefer san-serif. For printed, serif. You could provide both versions, one for onscreen, one for printing.

Originally Posted by livelifeforsuccess

Thanks for the info. Hmmm my openoffice doesnt offer either of those serif fonts... any alternative?

OpenOffice should come with Bitstream Vera (both serif and san-serif) also Thorndale (serif).

There is a free extension (FontOOo) available for OpenOffice that allows installation of various font packs (including Arial and Verdana) to OpenOffice:

OOoConv - FontOOo

Tahoma isn't included within the FontOOo font packs but can be downloaded (for Windows) directly from Microsoft:

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...s/tahoma32.exe

Hope this helps.

Thanks

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Paul Turner

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Taylor French

15 years ago

Serif and sans serif are types of fonts, not actual fonts. Times new roman is a serif font. Arial is sans serif. Look up serif and sans serif to see some examples of the differences.

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Mike Hill

15 years ago

I always use Verdana for the main body text (13 point) and 18 point Tahoma for chapter titles. Other than that I just tweak as necessary to make it look pretty.

Mike Hill

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hotlinkz

15 years ago

I generally use Times New Roman 14 to 18 point. Makes it easy for old geezers such as myself to read it without my pair of extra eyes.

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raeesa

15 years ago

its up to you want font size u want

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1 reply

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Mary Laine 15 years ago

Since most people who still have money to buy are older, I agree with the 14.
Is it me, or have all the letters on the internet gotten smaller recently Some pages I come to I have to magnify right away. This getting old sucks, I guess
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djones

15 years ago

Thanks for this. Trying to decide on the best font to use always stumps me. I know what works for me, but I also know it might not work for everyone else, so having a "standard" for what will probably work for most people would come in handy.

Thanks

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Ebook font and size?

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