From the course: Learning Graphic Design: Set Perfect Text
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How to set perfect drop caps
From the course: Learning Graphic Design: Set Perfect Text
How to set perfect drop caps
- So far, we've been looking at unadorned text. But, a drop cap in text is a great way to lead off an important paragraph. It's the first letter of a passage made bigger than all the others. For standard text, you'll generally use the text typeface. In this case, it's Minion. This drop cap is three lines deep, arm hanging over the left edge. Baseline aligned with the text baseline. This is basically a perfect drop cap. And it's set like this automatically when you specify it in InDesign. A three-line drop cap is what I'll typically use in a body of text to start a major new thought. A two-line cap isn't worth the trouble. It's more like a little spec, kind of a pointless interruption. To my eye, the text would be smoother with nothing. A four-line cap is impressive, but it signifies more than a common break in thought. I'd use a four-line cap for the first line of a book, or maybe each chapter. Anymore than four lines and you're getting into the realm of decorative type which can be a…
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