Be able to apply font styles including font face, type (serif, sans-serif), point size, colour

Topic 14 – Styles

Learning Objective

Be able to apply font styles including font face, type (serif, sans‑serif), point size and colour.

1. What is a Font Style?

A font style is the visual appearance of text. Changing the style can make a document clearer, more attractive and easier to read.

2. Font Face (Font Family)

The font face, also called the font family, is the overall design of the characters. Common font families include:

• Arial
• Times New Roman
• Calibri
• Verdana
• Georgia

3. Font Type – Serif vs Sans‑Serif

Fonts are grouped into two main types based on the presence of “serifs”, the small decorative strokes at the ends of letters.

4. Point Size

Point size determines how large the characters appear. One point (pt) equals 1/72 of an inch.

• Typical body text: 10 pt – 12 pt
• Headings: 14 pt – 24 pt (or larger)
• Footnotes: 8 pt – 9 pt

5. Colour

Colour can be used to highlight, differentiate sections, or convey meaning. When choosing colours, consider:

1. Contrast – ensure text is readable against the background.
2. Purpose – red for warnings, green for success, blue for links.
3. Consistency – use a limited palette throughout the document.

6. Applying Styles in Common Word Processors

Below is a step‑by‑step guide for two widely used applications.

6.1 Microsoft Word

1. Select the text you wish to format.
2. Use the Home tab to choose a font face from the drop‑down list.
3. Choose Serif or Sans‑Serif based on the font selected.
4. Enter the desired point size in the size box.
5. Click the A (font colour) button and pick a colour.
6. For repeated use, click Styles → Create a Style to save your formatting.

6.2 Google Docs

1. Highlight the text.
2. From the toolbar, select a font family.
3. Choose a serif or sans‑serif font.
4. Adjust the point size using the size menu.
5. Click the text colour icon and select a colour.
6. To reuse, click Format → Paragraph styles → Update ‘Normal text’ to match.

7. Practical Activity

Create a one‑page flyer for a school event. Apply the following requirements:

• Title: Use a sans‑serif font, 24 pt, bold, colour #003366.
• Sub‑heading: Serif font, 16 pt, italic, colour #990000.
• Body text: Serif font, 12 pt, black.
• Highlight key details (date, time) in a contrasting colour.

8. Summary Checklist

• Identify the appropriate font face for the document’s purpose.
• Choose between serif and sans‑serif based on medium (print vs screen).
• Select a readable point size for each text element.
• Apply colour that provides sufficient contrast and supports the message.
• Save frequently used combinations as styles for consistency.

9. Assessment Questions

1. Explain why a serif font is generally preferred for printed books.
2. What is the point size of a heading that is 18 pt larger than the body text set at 12 pt?
3. Give two reasons why colour contrast is important in document design.
4. In Microsoft Word, how would you create a reusable style that includes font face, size, and colour?