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WHAT THE GUIDANCE SAYS

Publish it so
more people can read it.

Readable text is a publishing choice.

Reading glasses resting on an open book on a wooden table beside a bright window, the pages softly out of focus — AI-generated image, not a photograph of a real person or place.

Leaflets, newsletters, reports and books all start as decisions about size, font, layout and format. UK sight loss charities and government guidance set out a few simple standards that help far more readers.

CLEAR PRINT12 point minimum, ideally 14

Check a text size

Keep in mind

Bigger, plainer type
Left aligned, well spaced
Offer other formats
Small choices, wider reach

THE SHORT ANSWER

Make it bigger,
clearer and logical.

Clear print suits every document.
Large print and digital formats reach readers who need more.

CLEAR PRINT

12 point, ideally 14

Sensory Trust guidance sets clear print at a minimum of 12pt Arial, ideally 14pt, in a plain sans serif, left aligned, with no text over images.

Check a size

LARGE PRINT

A version, not a photocopy

RNIB says large print is generally 16 to 18 point. Guidance says to create a large print version rather than enlarge a photocopy of the standard one.

See the numbers

DIGITAL

HTML before PDF

GOV.UK advises publishing in HTML wherever possible, because PDFs often do not work well with screen readers. Many e-readers also let readers enlarge the text.

How to do it

A QUICK SIZE CHECK

How big is
your body text?

Pick a text size to see where it sits against UK clear print and large print guidance. The bar shows how many readers with low vision it is likely to reach.

Size check

Choose a body text size10 point12 point14 point16 to 18 pointLarger than 18 point

10 pointRegular print

RNIB says regular print is usually 10 or 12 point. At 10 point it falls below the clear print minimum of 12.

12 pointClear print minimum

The minimum for clear print. It applies to everything, including page numbers, captions and footer text.

14 pointClear print ideal

The size clear print guidance recommends where you can. It helps readers with sight loss and dyslexia, and suits everyone.

16 to 18 pointLarge print

RNIB describes large print as generally 16 to 18 point. It should also follow clear print layout rules.

Larger than 18 pointGiant print

RNIB calls anything larger than large print giant print, for readers who need more than 16 to 18 point.

Sources: Sensory Trust guidance on clear and large print; RNIB guide to large and giant print.

Sizes are compared with Arial: fonts differ in letter size, so guidance suggests checking a paragraph against Arial and adjusting.

TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING

Two sizes
to remember.

One for everyday documents,
one for readers with low vision.

12–14pt

Body text for everyday documents

Clear print requires a minimum of 12pt Arial, ideally 14pt. Headings should be at least 20 percent larger than the body text.

CLEAR PRINT · SENSORY TRUST

16–18pt

Typical large print size

RNIB says large print is generally 16 to 18 point and anything larger is giant print, while regular print is usually 10 or 12 point.

LARGE PRINT · RNIB

Sensory Trust advises limiting reversed-out text, such as white on black, to headings and short blocks, noting it is tiring to read for most people, especially the 50 percent of the population with some degree of astigmatism.

FOUR HABITS TO TRY

Easier to read,
no extra cost.

None of these needs special software. They are settings and choices in the tools you already use to write and publish.

An e-reader lying on a kitchen table beside a mug of tea, its screen glowing softly — AI-generated image, not a photograph of a real person or place.

Step 1

Set a clear house style

Use a plain sans serif such as Arial at 12 point or more, sentence case, and avoid underlining except for links.

Step 2

Left align and space out

Left aligned text avoids the uneven gaps of justified text. Use more than single line spacing and generous margins.

Step 3

Use real headings

GOV.UK advises heading styles rather than bold text, so screen readers can read the structure. Do not skip levels.

Step 4

Describe your images

Add alt text to images that carry information, and make the same point in the text. Avoid images that contain text.

WRITING FOR EVERYONE

Plain words
help too.

A library shelf of thick hardback large print books with plain coloured spines — AI-generated image, not a photograph of a real person or place.

GOV.UK guidance says simple language makes documents accessible to people with cognitive impairments and learning disabilities, and that most users, including specialist audiences, prefer it.

It suggests aiming for around 25 words or fewer per sentence, explaining technical terms the first time you use them, and never relying on colour or shape alone to show meaning.

Questions

Questions on the way

What is the difference between clear print and large print?

Clear print is a standard for all printed material: at least 12pt, ideally 14pt, with a plain layout. Large print is an alternative format for people with visual impairments, generally 16 to 18 point, according to RNIB.

Which font is easiest to read?

Guidance recommends sans serif fonts such as Arial, Helvetica or Verdana, in standard or semi-bold weights. Sensory Trust advises avoiding decorative and handwriting-style fonts.

Should text be justified?

No. Both GOV.UK and Sensory Trust advise left aligned text, which makes it easier to find the start of each line and avoids uneven spacing.

Is a PDF accessible?

Often not fully. GOV.UK says PDFs do not work well with assistive technologies like screen readers a lot of the time, and advises publishing in HTML wherever possible.

Can someone make an accessible copy of a book?

GOV.UK explains that UK copyright law has exceptions allowing a disabled person, or an authorised body on their behalf, to make an accessible copy such as braille, audio or large print from a lawfully obtained copy.

Destination

Where the facts come from

Updated 15 October 2026

Publish it somore people can read it.

Make it bigger,clearer and logical.