Understanding Hypertext
Hypertext is like the backbone of many multimedia systems, using text to convey thoughts, ideas, and facts in various aspects of life. In multimedia, text is vital for explaining how applications work, guiding user navigation, and serving as a key component in the design’s information flow.
Characteristics of Text
Text is composed of letters, numbers, and special characters, forming character sets. These sets include icons, mathematical symbols, Greek letters, and more, providing a rich and diverse range of communication tools.
Typeface, Font, and Point
Typefaces are graphical representations of the alphabet and special characters, varying in style and size. Fonts, on the other hand, specify a particular size of a typeface. Sizes are measured in points, with one point being 1/72 of an inch. This measurement is taken from the top of uppercase letters to the bottom of descenders.
Types of Fonts
Serif fonts have decorative tips or flags at the ends of letters, often used in documents with extensive text to guide readers. Sans Serif fonts, lacking these decorative elements, are considered better for computer screens due to sharper contrast.
Tracking, Kerning, and Leading
- Tracking: Adjusting space uniformly between letters.
- Kerning: Managing the space between two letters, often done manually for logos or headlines.
- Leading: Adding space between lines of a paragraph for improved readability.
Jaggies and Antialiasing
Jaggies refer to jagged edges seen when text/images are enlarged, a consequence of low resolution during composition. Antialiasing is a technique used to reduce these jagged edges.
Text Data Files
Text comes in various file formats. Plain text is an electronic format readable by humans. Rich text or formatted text includes additional formatting features. Hypertext involves text with hyperlinks connecting to other texts or documents.
Working With Text
When working with text, it’s essential to be concise, choose appropriate typefaces and fonts, ensure readability, consider type style and color, and maintain consistency. Using text effectively involves communicating information, explaining concepts and ideas, and clarifying other media elements.
Hypertext
Hypertext is like a document based on text but enriched with static data like images or tables. It forms a network of nodes (points) connected through links, creating an interactive experience for users.
Hypermedia
Hypermedia is a computer-based information retrieval system enabling users to access various media types, including text, audio, video, photographs, and graphics related to a specific subject. Users have the freedom to choose their information path, making it a dynamic and interactive way to gather and provide information.