Small text can be printed, but the smaller the lettering, the more difficult it may be to read clearly. Font style, line thickness, print size, color contrast, and viewing distance can all affect legibility.
As a general guideline, we recommend keeping important text at 8 pt or larger whenever possible. Text smaller than 8 pt may still print, but fine details and thin strokes can become less defined, especially with lightweight, condensed, or decorative fonts.
For the best results:
- Use 8 pt or larger for important information.
- Avoid very thin or intricate fonts at small sizes.
- Make sure there is good contrast between the text and background. Small, thin fonts may not reproduce as clearly against dark or heavily contrasting backgrounds. During printing, the surrounding background color can visually encroach on very fine lettering, making thin strokes appear less crisp or harder to read.
- Keep critical information, such as phone numbers, URLs, and instructions, large enough to read comfortably.
- View your artwork at 100% of its actual printed size before ordering. This is one of the best ways to judge whether small text will be readable.
Please keep in mind that printing small text does not guarantee that it will be easily legible. If you’re unsure, increasing the font size or weight is usually the safest option.