Tipograafia

Tipograafia, or typography, is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. It encompasses the selection of typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, leading (line spacing), kerning (adjusting space between specific letter pairs), and tracking (uniform spacing between letters). The goal of typography is to create a visually pleasing and effective means of communication.

The history of typography dates back to the invention of movable type in the 11th century in China and later to Gutenberg's printing press in the 15th century. Initially, typography was focused on replicating handwritten scripts, but it evolved to develop distinct letterforms and layouts optimized for printing. Over centuries, different type styles emerged, categorized into broad groups like serif (with small strokes at the ends of letters) and sans-serif (without these strokes).

In contemporary times, typography plays a crucial role in graphic design, web design, branding, and publishing. It influences how information is perceived, affecting everything from the readability of a book to the impact of a brand's logo. Effective typography considers the context, audience, and message to choose typefaces and arrangements that best serve their purpose. The study of typography involves understanding the aesthetics, legibility, and technical aspects of letterforms and their arrangement.