What is large print?
What sounds like a relatively straightforward question is actually not that easy to answer. Large print is produced around the world for people who have some vision, but are not able or comfortable accessing regular print. Because this audience will have a range of eye conditions, and as a result a wide variety of requirements, there is no single answer to define large print.
As a very rough guide, documents are generally considered to be large print if the font is 16 point or higher. This scale continues up until around 48 point text, at which point individuals may prefer to investigate the use of an accessible format for their information needs.
What size text should I produce?
This really depends on the type of document you are producing, the volume and the intended audience.
For low volume documents and in any cases where the audience is known we recommend trying to meet the preferences of your audience. The majority of people will be very happy to talk about their preferred format, and in some cases will be quite specific about their needs.
In low volume cases where it is not possible to identify any specific preferences, the key is really in being flexible. If your document has been created as an accessible electronic document it is relatively easy to scale the entire document on demand.
With larger volumes the decision is much more difficult. The majority of commercially produced large print books in the UK are printed at 16 point, with more specialist libraries like RNIB's National Library Service stocking text at 24 point.
Whichever size text you decide to produce at, it will not be suitable for all. We always recommend keeping a styled electronic version of the text to ensure additional copies or accessible formats can be created when required.