Optimize for Reading

To optimize your site to facilitate reading you need to:

• Have a clear hierarchy of titles and subtitles
  
• Use h1- h6   (they are required for 508)
• Use lists
• Increase line height to at least 120%
• Line length 45 - 75 characters (optimum is 65)
• Very short paragraphs
• Increase negative space (white space)
• Use more columns for text on wider pages
• Sans Serifs are easier to read on the web. Use San Serifs under 16px.
• Design for future changes in font size: use ems
  
• Breakup text with images
• Give images wide margins
• Good contrast between text and background
• Do not underline any text unless it is a link
• Do not include too many links within the copy
• I know I do not have to tell you this but just in case: NEVER, NEVER put drop shadows on text.