When designing the interior page layouts of a book, one key decision is how to align the text on each page. The two main options are justified text or left-aligned text.
Justified Text
With justified text alignment, the lines of text are spaced out evenly so they align on both the left and right margins. This creates consistent rectangular blocks of text.
Pros of Justified Text:
- Gives pages a tidy, formal, symmetrical appearance
- Maximizes use of space between margins
- Popular in newspapers and magazines
Cons of Justified Text:
- Can create wide gaps between words, distorting readability
- Needs hyphenation for best alignment, which interrupts word recognition
- Eyestrain. On wide pages or small font sizes, it can be more difficult to move from one line to another.
Justified text alignment arose as a space-efficient technique due to the historically high cost of paper. It remains the default alignment for many print publications today, especially in genres like academia and news.
Left-Aligned Text
Left-aligned text has a straight left edge with an uneven, "ragged" right edge. The spacing between words is consistent, not stretched or shrunk to force alignment.
Pros of Left-Aligned Text:
- Easier reading with consistent word spacing
- No need for hyphenation
- Common alignment for digital media
Cons of Left-Aligned Text:
- Looks more casual and informal
- Empty space can appear on right side of paragraphs
Left-alignment emerged as the norm on websites and e-readers as digital text eliminated paper costs. Readers today are accustomed to left-aligned body text for ease of online reading.
Alignment Considerations by Genre
Text alignment conventions vary between fiction and non-fiction book genres.
Fiction books typically use left-aligned text for smooth, transparent reading. The ragged right edge is less noticeable in prose than formal texts.
Non-fiction books, especially in academic domains, often adhere to justified text. But publishers are shifting toward more reader-friendly left-alignment.
Ultimately the alignment choice comes down to the book's style and target audience. Contemporary book designers weigh alignment purely by readability, though justify text persists in disciplines where adhering to tradition carries value.