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Re: Bold to highlight files and paths?

Subject: Re: Bold to highlight files and paths?
From: Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 11:46:20 -0700

Christopher Clunas wrote:

Does anybody use bold to highlight file names and file paths in your
documentation (whether it be print, PDF, or online)? Why... or why not?


Definitely not. For one thing, the bold weights of many fonts have such thick strokes that they look awkward and clumsy except at sizes that are far too large for any manual.

But, to understand the real reason, prop a two page-spread up and look at it from about five feet away. The bold weights look like a series of ugly blotches. If the headings are also in bold weights, the result is even worse. Visually, it has the effect of the man in the Monty Python skit who SCREAMED every third WORD, and is VERY annoying.

Of course, you might find a font whose bold weights could be used in the way that you suggest. But I'd be cautious, all the same.

My own preferences are to use a sans serif in regular weights for both the headings and file paths, or to use a quality monospaced font like Cincinnatus from the Scriptorium (but never Courier).

--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com

Stillborn love, passionate dreams, pitiful greed
And the silver tongues of the tinker girls
Who throw the book of life at you
But don't know how to read."
-Richard Thompson, "Gypsy Love Songs"


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References:
Bold to highlight files and paths?: From: Christopher Clunas
Re: Bold to highlight files and paths?: From: Jo Baer

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