pt1pt

Pt1pt is a conceptual term used in typography and page-layout systems to describe a measurement and positioning regime in which dimensions and coordinates are expressed in nominal one-point increments. The term combines “pt” for point, the standard typographic unit, with “1pt” to emphasize a one-point grid. The approach is used in some layout engines and typesetting workflows that require exact, device-independent placement of text and graphics.

Origins and usage: The phrase emerged in design tooling discussions in the early 2010s as a way to describe fine-grained control over positioning while preserving scalable layouts. It is not a formal standard but a design pattern found in several open-source typesetting and page-layout libraries and workflows.

Technical characteristics: In pt1pt, all horizontal and vertical measurements are expressed in points and are aligned to a grid with a unit size of 1pt. Depending on the workflow, 1pt may map to physical lengths via the device’s DPI, commonly 1/72 inch, though exact mapping can vary by font metrics and rendering backends. Rounding and snapping rules are typically configured to minimize sub-point rendering artifacts and ensure consistent alignment across elements.

Applications: Pt1pt is used in desktop publishing, digital typography, and document rendering pipelines that require precise alignment without relying on pixel-based coordinates. It is compatible with print-ready workflows and responsive layouts where typography scales with the page or viewport.

Limitations: Differences in DPI, font metrics, and rendering engines can produce minor deviations between platforms. Some devices or software may apply sub-point antialiasing that reduces the perceptibility of 1pt steps.

See also: Point (typography), Typography, Desktop publishing, Layout engine, Sub-point snapping.