Boldim

Boldim is a term used in digital typography and interface design to describe a technique for establishing visual emphasis by combining bold typography with dimmed surrounding text. The concept emphasizes keywords or actions by applying a strong weight to the target text while reducing the perceived emphasis of nearby copy through lower opacity, lighter color, or grayscale adjustments. Boldim is not an official typographic category, but a design pattern that has appeared in UX writing and visual design discussions as a way to guide reader attention without resorting to excessive bolding.

Applications of boldim include technical documentation, dashboards, instructional content, and e-learning interfaces where clear focus on terms, buttons, or steps is desirable. It is often used to mark definitions, warnings, or critical actions, creating a visual hierarchy that respects overall readability.

Techniques for implementing boldim involve styling rules that set a high font-weight for highlighted text while applying opacity or a lighter color to surrounding text. Variations may include adjusting letter-spacing for the highlighted text or using dimmed punctuation to reduce distraction. Designers may combine boldim with other hierarchy cues such as color contrast, spacing, or icons to reinforce meaning.

Accessibility considerations are central to effective boldim use. Ensure sufficient contrast for bolded elements, maintain legibility of dimmed text, and respect user preferences for reduced motion or reduced contrast settings. Testing with assistive technologies helps verify that emphasis remains detectable without compromising readability.

See also: typographic hierarchy, emphasis, readability, user interface design.