Typophile - white (or light coloured) text on a dark background - Comments

> Is there any research on

kevlar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:24:16 -0700

> Is there any research on what colour combinations help or hinder legibility?

Tinker, M.A., and Patterson, D.G. (1931). Studies of Typographical Factors Influencing Speed of Reading: VII. Variations in Color of Print and Background,” Journal of Applied Psychology, 15, 471-479.

Abstract: Speed of reading 10 color combinations of print and background and of black on white was determined. Black on white, grass green on white, luster blue on white, and black on yellow provide good legibility. A printed page should show maximum brightness contrast between print and background.

Insignage the difference

dezcom — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:49:46 -0700

Insignage the difference ratio to tjhe background that the sign functions in is also important. A sign hung on a crossmember or wire having the sky as a background environment would need a dark background to set itself off from the sky.

ChrisL

In general, light text on

cuttlefish — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:45:14 -0700

In general, light text on dark tends to overwhelm the readability more than dark text on light. The common solution to this problem is to make the former text slightly bolder than the latter. Usually jumping from a regular to bold weight is too much for this purpose, though, so fonts with multiple weight options are more desirable.

As far as interior, non-illuminated signage, a dark shape with light lettering hung on a light colored wall will cause most people to immediately recognize “Hey, there is a sign here”, and if they are seeking an unfamiliar destination they may pause to read it. Black may not necessarily be the best color for the particular interior, but white text on black is perfectly functional.

real white and real black

russellm — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:58:15 -0700

real white and real black are mathematical concepts, like straight lines and perfect circles.

My question is about static, non-illuminated signage in artificially illuminated interiors - with non glare surfaces where the colours are as close to what humans normally see as black & white (or grey...) as can be achieved with commercially available products.

-=®=-

“the intense contrast of

dberlow — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:49:41 -0700

“the intense contrast of white on black results in “after images”
“Does that seem reasonable?”
If real white and real black were used, perhaps, but the screen does not use a real white, and most type don’t get a real black.
I think, the relatively close work of computer screens does not require the contrast distance viewing demands of its blacks and whites.

Cheers!

There was a chart on the

cuttlefish — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:44:19 -0700

There was a chart on the wall that time I worked in a sign shop, displaying optimal color combinations for contrast and legibility. Though there is much I forget about the thing, I don’t recall there being a spot showing white on dark gray being superior to white on black (though yellow on black did rank higher). White on gray maybe the subject of more recent research.

I’ll have a look around for some sign construction resources and get back to you.

Yeah, Russ. The real

dezcom — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:55:09 -0700

Yeah, Russ. The real spelling is KidsKnees :-)

ChrisL

(oops)... kidneys You just

russellm — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:15:15 -0700

(oops)... kidneys

You just Watch it, Patty or I’ll go back and edit :o)

-=®=-

kiddnies? That’s a new

pattyfab — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:58:44 -0700

kiddnies? That’s a new spelling...

injested, filterd though

russellm — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:50:37 -0700

injested, filterd though kiddnies, then spilled on some blue shag carpet.

A little deductive reasoning suggests to me that the intense contrast of white on black results in “affter images” as the retina tracks across a line of text and has to adjust from receiving light receiving no light. (often described as “dazzle”) ) It seems reasonable that a less extreme adjustment will result in a clearer, more legible image.

Does that seem reasonable?

-=®=-

“Ingested, or spilled?

dtw — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:07:10 -0700

“Ingested, or spilled? ;)”

...thrown in the eyes, I think.

“Those colours have the

dberlow — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:02:16 -0700

“Those colours have the same affect as three cups of coffee.”

Ingested, or spilled? ;)

Cheers!

oprion, I’m sold! Those

russellm — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:03:47 -0700

oprion, I’m sold!

Those colours have the same affect as three cups of coffee.

-=®=-

I think you need to know the

jasonc — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:47:52 -0700

I think you need to know the source of the idea that white on dark gray is easier to read than black on white. It may be related to text displayed on a display monitor.
There’s a difference between black on white on CRT, on LCD, and in print. Often white backgrounds in computer displays are said to cause eye strain, but I’d guess the effect is not the same, or perhaps not existent, when the white is a flat surface color.

Jason C

While I believe there is

adnix — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:42:00 -0700

While I believe there is research out there, I’m not sure if it specific to signage.

I think you have to take into consideration what kind of material(s) the signage will be, location and lighting (indoor vs. outdoor), will it be paired with additional elements (a poster placed in a plexi sleeve—glare)

David

white (or light coloured) text on a dark background

russellm — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:37:59 -0700

For signage...

it has been said that white text on 70% to 80% grey is easier to read than white on black. I think there is certainly less dazzle, and lately I have been seen this colour combo quite frequently recently.

Is there any research on what colour combinations help or hinder legibility?

Thanks.