page_36 < previous page page_36 next page > Page 36 4 Use More Leading for Sans Serif or Bold Type Leading (pronounced ''ledding") is the printer's term for the amount of space between lines of text. It gets its name from the metal blanks, or leads, printers once used to separate lines of type. Text can be set solidwith no extra space between linesalthough one or two points of extra spacing are normal. Bold or sans serif type may require slightly more leading than roman text to enhance legibility. In addition bold type sometimes needs extra leading to lighten its color or weight. Text set in sans serif type is more likely to suffer from "doubling," where the reader's eye doesn't drop to the next line of text, but instead doubles back to the same line; proper leading prevents this. Sans serif and bold typefaces often require more line spacing than roman types do. Here, the Times Roman type at top looks fine on a 10-point leading, but the Serif Gothic and Century Bold types could benefit from an extra point of leading. 5 Faces with Long Descenders Need Less Leading Certain of the older typefaces, such as Garamond, Bembo, and Caslon, are designed with long descenders and may require little or no extra space between lines. In effect, the leading has been built in by the designer. On the other hand, a text face with short descenders may require extra space. If in doubt about how much leading you need, set samples or get your typographer's advice. Some typefaces can be composed with either short or long descenders.  < previous page page_36 next page >