When the text is aligned on the left only, all lines start at the same distance from the left edge
of the page (the left margin is fixed), whereas the right margin is not fixed, producing a
ragged envelope where the lines end. Alignment on the left is a traditional treatment of text,
based on handwriting, and is often found in textbooks. It is also called ranged
left, flush left, quad left, or unjustified. During the
last decades, several typographers and researchers have experimented with alternative
forms of textline arrangement in hopes of finding a way to increase readability and reading
comfort over the current level. To this end, Hartley (1985) makes a case for rational spacing. With this he implies
the use of left range text while breaking off lines and pages at places in the text where the
content logically allows this. Hartley considers such rational spacing especially useful for
instructional text, such as directions and lists. Others have also stressed the importance of
conveying structure at a glance. Carver (1970) has studied chunked typography, in which each line of
text is composed of a coherent and meaningful portion of a sentence; an example is given in
figure 14. The resulting measures of
speed of reading as well as text comprehension for mature readers did not differ significantly
between the chunked and the traditionally arranged text conditions. However, chunking is
rather uneconomical because of the relatively large spaces it necessarily leaves blank.
Therefore, it seems best to use the left range arrangement.
Figure 14:
Chunked Typography (after Carver, 1970)
