What Makes a Book ‘Large Print’?

Large print doesn’t have to scream geriatric — and it definitely doesn’t have to look like a 1990s algebra textbook. Done right, a large print edition is simply an accessible edition: easier on the eyes, beautifully balanced, and every bit as professional as your standard version.

Why They Matter in Book Design

Professional book designers (the real kind, not the “I-exported-from-Word” crowd) know that typography isn’t just about font choice — it’s about flow. A reader’s eye should glide from one page to the next without ever noticing the layout. When a widow, orphan, or runt appears, it’s like tripping over a curb on an otherwise smooth sidewalk.

Balancing Accessibility and Aesthetics

Unfortunately, too many “large print” books look like they were typeset by a 12-point template with a caffeine problem. Oversized fonts crammed into narrow margins, page numbers lost in a sea of white space, and paragraph breaks that feel like a rollercoaster — accessibility shouldn’t come at the cost of aesthetics.

Typography Tips for Large Print Design

So, what actually defines a large print book? In general, the American Printing House for the Blind and other readability organizations recommend 16- to 18-point type with generous line spacing (1.25 to 1.5). But font choice matters just as much as size — a clean, sans serif or humanist serif like Georgia, Verdana, or Atkinson Hyperlegible can be far easier on aging eyes than a dainty decorative face.

Color, Paper, and Contrast

Beyond typography, contrast and layout play huge roles. Stick to black text on cream or ivory paper to reduce glare. Increase interior margins slightly to prevent text from disappearing into the spine. And for the love of legibility, skip the justified text — ragged right edges may look less “formal,” but they drastically reduce eye strain.

Building Reader-Friendly Layouts in InDesign

The trick is balance. You’re designing for accessibility, not for spectacle. Avoid the temptation to stretch pages just to “look large print.” Instead, design your layout with the same care as any standard edition — consistent leading, even spacing, and chapter breaks that breathe. Professional layout software like InDesign allows you to create a large print version simply by adjusting your paragraph styles, baseline grid, and master pages.

Accessibility as Good Business

And don’t forget your readers who use assistive devices. Even print-only editions should follow accessible design principles that make eventual digital conversion easier. Keeping your layout clean, fonts embedded, and structure logical ensures everyone can enjoy the book comfortably.

Final Thoughts: Beautiful and Accessible Can Coexist

Creating a large print edition isn’t just a courtesy — it’s a smart business move. Readers with visual strain, dyslexia, or sensory processing differences are an underserved market, and they talk. A well-made large print book earns loyalty (and word-of-mouth) faster than any ad campaign.

Bottom line: Accessibility doesn’t have to be ugly. With the right font, spacing, and margins, you can design a large print edition that’s inclusive, elegant, and distinctly you.

Learn More:

American Printing House for the Blind: Large Print Guidelines

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