Presentation Design Tips - Type

Structure
Design and Layout
Color—the Magic Ingredient
Graphics

DO

Limit the number of fonts and use the same type hierarchy throughout

Using more than three fonts per presentation is distracting. If you wish to apply more than two typefaces, use the additional ones for captions or chart legends or for graphic interest - not for essential information.

Select fonts for readability

For easiest readability when projected, sans serif fonts are recommended. Serif fonts are sometimes recommended for more formal presentations. See how the PowerPoint Design Wizard templates effectively incorporate easy-to-read font combinations.

Use bullets

Remember, your slides are an outline of key points, not a speech. Always align bullet-list items flush left. Use a maximum of 6 short, clear bullets per slide, and a maximum of 6 words per bullet. Save more detailed information for your speaker's notes and handouts.

Align text properly

Even if you don't use bullets, remember that columns of words or phrases should be aligned flush left. Centered or justified text has inconsistent spacing, making it more difficult to read.

Use optimal sizes for legibility

Keep titles to 5 words or less and use 44 point type or more. Recommended body size is 18 points or more.

Consider the type background

Type over art can be difficult to read. Try using drop shadows on text that overlays art, photos or graphics.

DON'T

Use type styling that distracts from your message

Avoid italics, bolds, underlines, quote marks, parenthesis and unnecessary punctuation such as periods after bullet items. Your voice should be providing the emphasis. As an alternative for underlining text, consider using a bright, contrasting color to highlight text instead.

Don't overuse capital letters. Use sentence case for body text (capitalize as with a sentence). Use title case for titles (capitalize the first letter of each word, except for "small" words, such as "a," "the," "with," etc.).

Never use all-caps for sentences: it's the equivalent of shouting and is difficult to read. Use color and other visual accents instead.

Avoid script (calligraphic or ornamental) fonts. These are difficult to read in presentations.

Download one of our pre-designed PowerPoint templates or experiment with the PowerPoint Design Wizard (PC platform only). This tool includes a variety of professionally designed templates with carefully chosen color combinations and backgrounds to compliment your message.