koetekst

Koetekst is a Dutch term that translates to "cow text" or "cattle text" in English. It refers to a specific type of text that is often found in placeholder or dummy content. This type of text is used to fill space in a design or layout before the final content is available. It serves as a visual representation of where text will eventually be placed, allowing designers and developers to focus on the visual aspects of a project without being distracted by meaningful content.

The term "koetekst" is commonly used in the web design and graphic design industries in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is analogous to "lorem ipsum," the well-known placeholder text used internationally. While "lorem ipsum" is derived from Latin, "koetekst" is a more colloquial and directly descriptive term within the Dutch language.

The purpose of koetekst is primarily practical. It helps to visualize the flow and density of text within a design. By seeing how blocks of koetekst fit together, designers can assess typography, line spacing, and overall layout. It ensures that the design remains functional and aesthetically pleasing even when the actual content is not yet finalized. This practice is essential for maintaining project momentum and for presenting mockups and prototypes to clients. The actual content of koetekst can vary; it might be nonsensical sentences, repeated phrases, or even unrelated snippets of text, all serving the sole purpose of filling space.