Visual structure that helps.
WHAT FORMATTING IS FOR
Helping the reader find and follow.
WHAT IT IS NOT FOR
Decoration or emphasis of enthusiasm.
WHAT TO USE
Headings, for navigation Lists, for genuine lists Emphasis, sparingly White space, generously
WHAT EMPHASIS SHOULD MARK
The single most important thing.
WHY SPARINGLY
Emphasis on several things emphasises nothing.
WHAT TO AVOID
Capital letters for emphasis Several colours Underlining, which suggests links Varied fonts
WHY CAPITALS
They read as shouting, and they are harder to read.
WHAT LISTS SHOULD CONTAIN
Items of the same kind, in a sensible order.
WHAT THEY SHOULD NOT CONTAIN
Sentences fragmented to appear organised Arguments needing connection
WHAT NUMBERED LISTS ARE FOR
Sequence or reference.
WHAT TABLES ARE FOR
Comparing things across the same attributes.
WHAT THEY ARE NOT FOR
Layout.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LONG TABLES
Reconsider whether the reader needs all of it.
WHAT TO KEEP CONSISTENT
Heading levels, spacing, and how you mark things.
WHY
Inconsistency makes structure invisible.
WHAT TO CHECK
How it appears on a phone.
WHY
Most messages are read there.
