Preserving Document Appearance

What Readers Control

By setting their browsers, readers can control:

• screen resolution
• default display font
• default text color
• default background color
• default colors of displayed and visited links
• whether or not graphics are displayed.

Take Control of Document Appearance

To override reader choices and make sure the appearance you choose is displayed, you need to select default alternatives. That means you must:

• identify the fonts that will be used both for headings and body text
• select the page background color
• select the color that will be used for visited and unvisited links.

Specify Fonts that the Reader is Likely to Have

It's best to specify a font family (a group of similar fonts) rather than a specific font.

Use Print as Your Guide for Font Size

Use print as your guide for determining font size. Most print documents and browsers use 10- or 12-point type.

A white background supports the smallest text. Dark-colored backgrounds and backgrounds with graphics normally require larger type for text to be readable.

Dealing With Color and Graphics

Use color combinations that are easy on the eyes.

If you use graphics for headings, repeat them in alternative text so they will readable when graphics are turned off.

Also, use alternative text for any graphics that are important in getting your point across.