Fonts can also affect the need for leading.

If there are several leadings contained on one page, this convention can be completely negated. The lines on the front of a page and the verso (back) should line up vertically, line for line. There are instances that call for a change in leading, such as when a block quote is placed within a written text. Written texts should have a standard leading that does not deviate from page to page. Written texts with several portions that demand separate leading can lead to issue of text continuity. Letters with high ascenders and low descenders can interfere with one another between lines, if the leading is small enough to allow them to touch one another. Negative leading can be affected by ascenders and descenders on certain letters.

However, for short bursts of text a negative leading can enhance the message of the text and can create a more effective text. It would cause the text to be harder to read, as lines would be forced together, lessening room between lines and hindering readability. A negative leading could be viewed as a hindrance to readability. An example of negative leading is (12/10) where 2 points are removed from the default leading. Negative leading applies only to digital type. Leading can be affected by a series of issues, all of which can be rectified or used to the printer's advantage. The lack of white space between lines makes it difficult for the eye to track from one line to the next, makes rivers more obvious, and hampers readability. Text set 'solid' (no leading) appears cramped, with ascenders almost touching descenders from the previous line. Too much leading can cause continuity problems, as the eyes of the reader are required to travel a greater distance between lines of text. Double spacing increases the amount of unused white space on a page and reduces the number of lines on a page. Typewriters had a limited number of options for leading, and double spacing was chosen as a default. ĭouble spacing is an entrenched practice due to the era of typewriters and, in academic settings, to allow the addition of handwritten comments and proofreading. In many word processors the 'single' line spacing is automatically set to 115% or 1.15 em (the second column). Comparison of different line spacings ( L) in relation to the font height ( h).

Line spacing between lines in word 2013