Body Text

Body text is the primary content text within an interface or document, typically presented in paragraph form. It is designed for extended reading and conveys most of the information users consume in articles, product descriptions, help documentation, or form instructions.

Readability is the core concern in body text design. Typography plays a central role in effective body text. Designers must choose appropriate font families, sizes, line heights, and character spacing to ensure comfort during reading.

Sans-serif fonts are commonly used for digital interfaces, while serif fonts are often preferred in printed materials.

Legibility is influenced by font size (typically 14–18px on screens), contrast between text and background, and line length. Optimal line length ranges between 50–75 characters per line to avoid eye fatigue. Adequate spacing between lines (line height) and paragraphs improves scannability.

The hierarchy between body text and other text types, such as headings, captions, labels, is crucial. Body text should be visually distinct yet subordinate to headings, ensuring users can quickly locate and digest different content sections.

Accessibility also affects body text decisions. Designers must ensure contrast ratios meet WCAG standards, avoid using color alone to convey meaning, and support resizable text for visually impaired users. Language should be simple and direct for broad comprehension.

Effective body text enhances comprehension and retention. Poorly styled or structured body text leads to high cognitive load, user frustration, and abandonment. It’s a foundational part of any content-rich interface and should be treated with the same care as interactive elements.

Key features of Body Text

• Used for extended content like paragraphs or instructions
• Prioritizes readability, legibility, and clear structure
• Typically styled with sans-serif fonts and mid-size text
• Requires proper line height, spacing, and contrast
• Supports content hierarchy beneath headings
• Designed for accessibility and content clarity
• Critical in content-heavy interfaces and documents