formatering

Formatering, or formatting, is the process of arranging and presenting content so that it is clear, consistent, and usable. It covers how text, numbers and media are styled and laid out, as well as how information is structured for interpretation by readers and machines. Good formatering helps readability, accessibility, and navigation, and it adapts content to different media and contexts.

The scope includes text formatting (font choice, size, weight, color), paragraph formatting (alignment, line height, margins, indentation), and page or screen layout (columns, margins, grid systems). Data formatting standardizes how numbers, dates, currencies, and units are written, often with locale awareness. Media formatting handles images, captions, alt text, captions and figure numbering, and the integration of hyperlinks and metadata.

Tools and standards vary by domain. Word processors and desktop publishers provide visual controls, while typesetting systems like LaTeX and web technologies like HTML and CSS separate content from presentation. Markdown and other markup languages offer lightweight ways to express formatting. Style guides and standards, such as APA, Chicago, ISO, and WCAG accessibility guidelines, inform consistent rules across documents and interfaces.

Key principles include consistency, typographic hierarchy, contrast, alignment with the reading direction, appropriate white space, and responsive design for different devices. Accessibility and localization considerations are central, ensuring content is perceivable and usable by diverse audiences.

Formatering is fundamental in publishing, education, business reporting, software interfaces, and data visualization. Poor formatting can hinder comprehension and searchability, while well-applied formatting supports clarity, efficiency, and usability.