The first rule of typography is to make sure your text is readable and clear. Avoid fonts that are too thin, too ornate, too similar, or too trendy for your packaging design. Choose fonts that match your brand identity, product category, and target audience. Use fonts that contrast well with your background color and image. Test your fonts on different sizes, shapes, and materials of your packaging to ensure they are legible from different distances and angles.
Keep the print method in mind! If your package will be printed dry offset, or flexo on flexible film, a serif type can lose legibility quickly—unless it's fairly large.
Yes 100%! Legibility is top priority in every type of design. Try printing out a sample design to see what it would actually look like as the final design. Print it on the correct paper, cut it out to size, place it on the item. You can’t guess if it will be legible from far distances unless you test it out.
1. Font consistency: Use a limited font palette (2-3 fonts) to maintain visual harmony. 2. Readability: Choose fonts with clear letterforms, suitable for small sizes and various materials. 3. Hierarchy: Establish a clear typographic hierarchy 4. Kerning and tracking: Adjust spacing between letters and words for optimal readability. 5. Ensure text is large enough to read. 6. Color contrast: Select font colors with sufficient contrast to the background for readability. 7. Double-check spelling, grammar, and language accuracy. 8. Consider packaging material, printing process, and finishing techniques when selecting fonts. 9. Review and refine typography. 10. Get feedback: Show designs to others to catch errors or suggestions. That's all.
In packaging design, we always select fonts that work effectively from both 2m (when you are viewing it on a shelf) and 30 cm (when you are holding in your hand) Make sure that the chosen font can be easily replicated based on the chosen print method. This is especially true in situations such as back of packs were you have to maintain a minimum font size.
To avoid typographic pitfalls in packaging design, meticulous proofreading is key. Choose legible fonts aligned with the brand and prioritize font size for readability. Maintain consistent alignment, spacing, and color contrast for visual harmony. Regularly review and test typography in various formats to catch inconsistencies. By paying attention to these details, designers ensure precision, preventing common mistakes and preserving the integrity of the packaging design.
Consider the printing procedure! Serif type can rapidly lose legibility when being printed dry offset or flexo on flexible film, unless the font is relatively large.
Absolutely! Typography plays a crucial role in packaging design. It's not just about making it look pretty; it's about making sure consumers can easily read and understand the information. Selecting the right fonts is like choosing the right words for a conversation – they need to resonate with your brand's voice and engage your audience effectively. Testing is key too; you want your message to shine through no matter how your product is displayed.
Limit use of Caps and Italics. I see some design use lots of caps to emphasises product claims. Overusing capital letters and italics can decrease readability. Use them sparingly to highlight specific words or phrases. And conduct print test to see how it look in packaging material. Digital and physical overview can be differ.
Spacing is another crucial aspect of typography that affects the readability and aesthetics of your packaging design. Spacing refers to the distance between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. Too much or too little spacing can make your text look cramped, uneven, or disconnected. Use proper spacing to create balance, harmony, and rhythm in your text elements. Adjust the kerning, tracking, leading, and margins of your text to optimize the space and avoid gaps, overlaps, or orphans.
Watch the "side-bearing" spacing of a 1 (one) in almost any typeface. It seems to leave too large a gap between the one and following numbers. If you are setting type for an annual report, it will be fine, as everything has to line up in columns. But in setting a year, or a net weight, check that One!
Spacing in typography significantly impacts the readability and visual appeal of packaging designs. Finding the right balance between letters, words, and lines is crucial for cohesive and polished text elements. Careful adjustment of kerning, tracking, leading, and margins ensures optimal spacing, avoiding the pitfalls of cramped or disjointed text. By prioritizing spacing considerations, designers can enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the legibility of packaging designs, resulting in a more engaging and impactful consumer experience.
Alignment is the way you arrange your text in relation to the edges of your packaging design. Alignment can create order, hierarchy, and emphasis in your text elements. There are four main types of alignment: left, right, center, and justify. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the context and purpose of your text. For example, left alignment is usually the most natural and easy to read, while center alignment can create symmetry and focus. However, avoid using too many different alignments in your packaging design, as this can create confusion and inconsistency.
Use an alignment that works with the shape of your product label and design. Sometimes for narrow bottles it’s best to use a left aligned or justified type setting to fit the smaller width. Try to avoid center aligned type unless it fits your design shapes or if the width of the product is a bit wider. However, having extremely wide center aligned type is usually difficult to follow and continue to read.
We have subsumed the role of typesetters over the last two decades or so (maybe more). We would do well to emulate their attention to correct optical spacing. I base-line shift parens and up-size numerals that aren’t the same height as the letters. It’s about the craft; someone has to carry the standard.
Hierarchy is the way you organize and prioritize your text elements according to their importance and relevance. Hierarchy can help you communicate your message effectively and guide your audience's attention. Use hierarchy to highlight your product name, features, benefits, and call to action. Use different sizes, colors, weights, styles, and positions to create contrast and distinction between your text elements. Use headings, subheadings, bullets, numbers, and icons to break up your text and make it easier to scan.
Approaching design strategically rather than relying solely on gut feel is key. Remember, when everything stands out, nothing really stands out. Emphasise some elements while let others take a step back—create a hierarchy that speaks volumes without overwhelming the senses. There’s an easy way to test the effectiveness of your visual hierarchy, no special tools required, its the trusty “squint test” Sit back from your computer screen a bit and squint at your design so all the details blur and you just see general shapes. What still stands out? What you want viewers to look at first? If so, then you’re in good shape — if not, then it may be time to go back to the drawing board and try something new.
Utilising different font weights and sizes is a great way of controlling the reading order for a consumer when they are looking at your packaging. If everything on the pack has the same size and treatment, then you will have multiple elements competing for attention. Work out what you want the consumer to see when it’s on the shelf and what part do you want them to access when they’re holding it in their hand, then size and weight the typography accordingly. This helps legibility and improves overall aesthetic.
It is essential to approach design strategically as opposed to relying solely on intuition. Bear in mind that when everything is remarkable, nothing truly stands out. Create a hierarchical structure that conveys significant information without inundating the senses with excessive emphasis on particular elements. "Squint test" is a straightforward method that does not require any specialized equipment to evaluate the efficacy of your visual hierarchy. Retract slightly from your computer screen and stare at your design until you can only make out broad shapes and not the intricate details. What remains notable? What do you want the audience to note initially? If the answer is no, then it might be prudent to return to the drafting board.
The last but not least tip to avoid typographic mistakes is to proofread your text carefully and thoroughly. Even the smallest typo, spelling, grammar, or punctuation error can damage your credibility and reputation. Proofread your text several times, preferably with a fresh pair of eyes and a different device. Use tools like spell checkers, grammar checkers, and online dictionaries to help you catch and correct any mistakes. Also, check your text for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Make sure your text matches your brand voice, tone, and style.
In some industries, packaging is subject to legal regulations, and inaccuracies or misleading information can lead to serious consequences. By proofreading your packaging design, you can identify and rectify any potential legal pitfalls. This includes verifying that all required disclaimers, warnings, and instructions are correctly stated and comply with the necessary regulations.
I have a customer who spelled catalog incorrectly on the front page of their annual catalog. It was proof read by a dozen people and they missed it. The lesson is that we need to read every word.
Social media and online reviews have made it easier for customers to voice their opinions. One small typo or misinterpreted word on your packaging can become the subject of ridicule or negative reviews. People love to share funny or embarrassing packaging fails, and such instances can quickly go viral, causing damage to your brand's reputation. Proofreading helps you catch these potential pitfalls before they reach the public eye.
You need to proofread like it's the first time, every time, don't just look at the edited areas or notes. In my 20 years of experience, I have not found a single tool that is very effective, most cause more headaches and hinder your ability to gain the experience to find or correct simple mistakes on your own in the future.
Legal laws govern packaging in many businesses, and any mistakes or deceptive information might result in significant repercussions. Through the process of carefully reviewing your package design, you may detect and correct any possible legal risks. This involves ensuring that the relevant disclaimers, cautions, and instructions are accurately presented and adhere to the appropriate rules.
From my experiences to avoid common typography mistakes in packaging design Ensure your text is legible by choosing a clear, appropriate font size and style. Maintain proper spacing to avoid clutter and ensure readability. Use contrast to make text stand out against the background. Finally, check for spelling and grammatical errors, as they can undermine the professionalism of your design.
Printing your concepts and creating physical mock-ups is a surefire way to find mistakes like illegibility and lack of hierarchy. There’s nothing quite like physically seeing a packaging design concept before you. It helps identify typographical and visual errors overlooked on a screen.
Think of typography as part of the personality in your brand. It can say a lot by just being there on your product. Words are extremely powerful in message, and in aesthetic. Good type is the difference between a consumer walking past the shelf & stopping to look because your brand caught their eye. Informative, legal, or explanatory copy can make or break the product as well. The package can speak directly to the customer, inform of any allergies, best practices, tell the brand story, &/or explain how to properly recycle. All of these factors go into deciding the correct font to use & where/how to place it on pack. The possibilities are endless, it's easy to get carried away, so a hard & fast rule to remember is K.I.S.S (keep it simple).
Typos are inevitable, it doesn't matter how many people proofread or approve, eventually one will get through... Make sure you have a process in place to remedy errors without slowing down production or surpassing deadlines. If you deal with large scale and expensive print jobs, research insurance and other means to cover the cost of reprinting, shipping, and so on, don't get stuck with the bill. Most times it's both parties who are at fault, blaming one another is not a solution.
It’s always a great idea to test print and have prints in hand. It can get tricky sometimes to catch these little typos especially when working on multiple concepts and layouts. The screen are only so limited. It’s also a good idea to bring these test prints to random people that are not necessarily in the design or creative field, you would be surprised by the feedback you get.
I always like to describe font selection, as like selecting an accent for language. It helps create a much richer experience as it adds personality and unique tone of voice.
Always get printouts of the work in actual size to ensure legibility. Staring at a screen for extended periods can distort your perception. You might believe that you've achieved the ideal visual hierarchy, and everything is perfectly balanced on your canvas. However, in certain instances, you might be surprised when you see your design in print. You may catch yourself murmuring, 'Oh, was it that small?' or 'Hey, this legal text doesn't have to be this huge.' Get printouts and make actual mock-ups to simulate the real user experience. And always keep in mind that you design packaging not for yourself or your client, but for the customers.
Avoiding common typographic mistakes is pivotal in packaging design to ensure the message is clear, the brand is accurately represented, and the design remains visually appealing. At Collabra, we employ a meticulous approach to typographic excellence, leveraging the precision and capabilities of Cway software. With Cway, we streamline the design process, ensuring that each typographic element has its purpose and space. This clarity prevents clutter, making sure that key information stands out and the design remains aesthetically pleasing.