Creating Leaflets

If you want to create leaflets or other resources, here are some tips for making them easily readable, for example for those who have dyslexia or visual difficulties. 

Formatting 

  • Use sans serif fonts, such as Arial and Verdana or Calibri.

  • Font size should be 12-14 point 

  • Use 1.5 line spacing

  • Use bold for emphasis rather than italics or CAPSLOCK. 

  • Align the text to the left side of the page

  • Use headings to break up the text

Colour 

  • Use single colour backgrounds and avoid patterns

  • Make sure the contrast between page and text is high

  • Avoid using green or red / pink - these are difficult to see if people have colour blindness. 

  • If you can, try printing on cream or on pale colours, rather than bright white. 

Style

  • Keep sentences short and simple

  • Use the active voice, rather than the passive voice. 

  • Write out numbers, e.g. zero, eight, three, which can be confusing to read as figures. 

  • Use images and flow charts for illustration - keep them clear of text. 

  • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms where you can. 

For Street CommunitiesHannah Swithinbanktext