Large Print
General Overview
Large print (also referred to as large font or large type) is an auxiliary aid for effective communication that involves providing essential printed materials — such as programs, brochures, playbills, exhibit guides, and exhibition labels and signage — in a larger, easy-to-read font. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals with low vision, including older adults or those who have some vision but have difficulty reading regular-sized text. Large print documents are simple to create and print, and they offer an effective solution to help your organization ensure that all audience members can access important information. Websites, apps and other digital software and hardware should also be flexible enough to allow the end user to choose the font size that they need to read and access the content.
Key Terms
Implementation
Below are some guidelines for creating large print materials for use in your arts and culture organization. Bullet-point details follow each formatting/style consideration.
- At a minimum, use size 16 to 18 point font for accessible print materials. Large print materials may use even larger fonts, up to 22 points. Some individuals may prefer even larger fonts.
- Avoid serif fonts (small lines attached to the ends of letter strokes) which can reduce clarity.
- Recommended sans-serif fonts are Helvetica, Arial, and Futura.
- Avoid all-caps, especially for longer sentences.
- Use high color contrast between text and background for readability (e.g., black text on a white background or white text on a black background, other text/background combinations that contain a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1).
- Avoid overlaying text on patterned or textured background.
- Keep layouts simple and avoid overly complex designs.
- Use block style paragraphs (without indentations).
- Double space between paragraphs for clearer separation.
- Use bold or a heavier weight to highlight headings, section titles, or other key information (rather than italics or underline).
- Avoid heavy reliance on punctuation.
- Avoid columns and long lists.
- Use text formats such as bold, italics, or underlining only when necessary. Avoid using all caps, especially for longer sentences. (Example: writing “DO NOT eat in the museum” is more effective than “DO NOT EAT IN THE MUSEUM.”)
- Use 1.25 – 2.0 (double) spacing between lines of print.
- An optimal line length of 39–43 characters per line is recommended for efficient reading.
- Print on non-glossy, white paper.
- Print on legal or larger sized paper when possible.
- Test large print materials with individuals who have low vision to ensure usability.
- In addition to large print materials, provide multiple alternative formats (e.g., digital options) for different accessibility needs.
- Once you’ve created large print materials, make sure to let your visitors know! Promote your accessible services on your website, social media channels, and through direct communication.
- Offering large print materials shows your dedication to providing an inclusive experience. (For more information, visit the Hub page on Communicating Access Information.)
Associated Legal Requirements or Obligations
Please note that, while this content was developed by people with expertise in the ADA and legal requirements related to access, it was created for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Signs (Section 703) which includes Text Legibility (Section 703.5) and General Display of Text (Section 703.6)
- Minimum character height for signage based on viewing distance:
- At least 5/8 inch (16 mm) for text viewed from 6 feet (1.8 m) or less.
- At least 2 inches (51 mm) for text viewed from distances up to 21 feet (6.4 m).
- Character proportions must have a width-to-height ratio between 55% and 110% to enhance readability.
- Contrast Requirements: Text and symbols must have high contrast with their background for improved visibility.
- Requires non-glare surfaces on signs and materials to reduce glare and reflection, improving visibility for people with low vision.
- Minimum character height for signage based on viewing distance:
- Title II of the ADA
Effective Communication Requirement (28 CFR §35.160)
- Public entities must provide auxiliary aids and services, including large print materials, to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities.
- Documents such as brochures, exhibit labels, and programs must be available in large print upon request.
- New regulations require state and local governments under Title II of the ADA to make Web Content and Mobile Apps accessible by applying Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as a standard which includes clear text formatting, font size, and contrast.
- Titile III of the ADA
Effective Communication (28 CFR §36.303)
- Businesses and nonprofits must communicate effectively with individuals with disabilities.
- Providing printed materials in large print ensures effective communication with individuals who have low vision.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Non-Discrimination in Communication (29 U.S.C. §794)
- Federally funded programs must provide effective communication, including large print materials, as necessary for blind and low vision individuals.
- Ensures accessibility of printed materials in museums, libraries, and cultural institutions receiving federal funding.
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Requires federal agencies to address accessible formatting for electronic documents, ensuring digital versions of large print materials are compatible with screen readers.
Signage & Printed Materials (Section 703.5 & 703.6)
- Requires raised characters and braille on certain types of permanent signage.
- Mandates high contrast and sans-serif fonts for readability.
See also:
- 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)
- Auxiliary Aids and Services
- Effective Communication
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act)
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Title II of the ADA or a Title II Entity
- Title III of the ADA or a Title III Entity
- Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
- U.S. Access Board
- WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
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