Introduction
Type is used to represent words. Consequently, it communicates meaning. Therefore, whether one is designing Web pages or paper pages, the choices one makes regarding type—style, size, and so on—can distort, obfuscate, or elucidate the message. An inappropriate typeface can confuse the reader or set the wrong tone. Long line lengths or tight line spacing can make text difficult or unpleasant to read.
The state of computer technology, however—specifically, that of browsers and computer screens—defines and limits what Web designers can and should do regarding type. Moreover, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and XHTML (Extensible HyperText Markup Language) provide precious few tools for controlling type. Nonetheless, advances in Web technologies have given designers greater power to create effective type.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is the Web designer's tool kit for applying the basic principles of typography to (X)HTML text. Throughout this guide, I assume that you know how to build a simple Web site using CSS and XHTML (or at least HTML 4.01).
If you want to know more about CSS, there are many books and online tutorials you can consult. Popular books on CSS include Cascading Style Sheets: Designing for the Web (3rd edition), by Håkon Wium Lie and Bert Bos; Eric Meyer on CSS: Mastering the Language of Web Design, by Eric A. Meyer; and Cascading Style Sheets: The Definitive Guide (2nd edition), also by Eric A. Meyer. The W3 Schools' Web site has a good CSS tutorial, and the World Wide Web Consortium's Learning CSS page lists many online resources on CSS.