Best fonts to use re: PDFs

[jenricae]

Hi, I have a general question regarding the best fonts to use in a PDF document.

My company often sends out pdf documents that are probably mostly viewed on screen yet are also printed (especially for conferences). I like using the sans-serif/serif contrast in design. But what fonts to use? What serif fonts best show up in a PDF document on screen? What san-serif fonts are best to use?

[zumojuice]

Well, it's likely to change per project... Fonts like verdana, despite some mixed feelings from people, was designed for screen reading. On the other hand, serif fonts are by far the easiest for that...

Here are a few things to consider:

Counters, and other white space Much of good readability is in the space that's not letters, be that the counters (the white within the letters such a g,p,q,e,a,d,b,B,D and Q) and the space around the forms... This of course leads to leading (boom boom!) But I'll hold on that... For Best readability, choose something with a good balance of these spaces, as they will appear much more readable.

Serifs This make type more readable. Why? Because we read using the top half on most letters. This is where there are more distinguished. Serifs simply add to this.

In total there are sooooo many fonts, it's hard to say what's best from what you have...

Generally the 'big name fonts have it though': Helvetica, Georgia, Univers, Frutiger, Gill, Arial,

For good sans/serif mixing, go for fonts that appear somewhat similar. Many fonts also have a sans/serif sister/brother --- Charlotte for example comes in both and they work well next to each other

[headphones]

good question, great answer.

[4gotten]

Originally Posted by zumojuice

Well, it's likely to change per project... Fonts like verdana, despite some mixed feelings from people, was designed for screen reading. On the other hand, serif fonts are by far the easiest for that...

Here are a few things to consider:

Counters, and other white space Much of good readability is in the space that's not letters, be that the counters (the white within the letters such a g,p,q,e,a,d,b,B,D and Q) and the space around the forms... This of course leads to leading (boom boom!) But I'll hold on that... For Best readability, choose something with a good balance of these spaces, as they will appear much more readable.

Serifs This make type more readable. Why? Because we read using the top half on most letters. This is where there are more distinguished. Serifs simply add to this.

In total there are sooooo many fonts, it's hard to say what's best from what you have...

Generally the 'big name fonts have it though': Helvetica, Georgia, Univers, Frutiger, Gill, Arial,

For good sans/serif mixing, go for fonts that appear somewhat similar. Many fonts also have a sans/serif sister/brother --- Charlotte for example comes in both and they work well next to each other

that's nice. thanks for the info..