Vertical justification refers to aligning all text from the top to bottom margin of any page with equal space between lines of text – commonly done via leading. This may require adjustment between lines of text.
Vertical justification involves aligning text from the top to the bottom of a page in a process known as vertical justification. Left justification involves aligning it along the left margin. In contrast, in right justification, it aligns along its respective right margin – and finally, the fully justified text is aligned along both margins of equal size.
Vertical justification is often employed in books and other lengthy publications to achieve an aesthetic appearance and uniform layout on each page while simultaneously making reading easier as there are fewer gaps between lines of text.
Vertical justification can take many forms; one such technique is “leading”. Leading refers to the space between lines of text, usually measured in points. A left-justified setting often features slightly greater leading on one side than on another – creating an aesthetic balance – while right justification features larger leading on either end for greater visual impact.
Fully justified text can often be the most aesthetically pleasing type, as its uniform appearance creates an appealing aesthetic on a page. Unfortunately, fully justified texts can sometimes be difficult for readers as spacing between words varies significantly and creates large gaps between lines of text, preventing readers from tracking their place accurately.
Vertical justification in publishing is vital in creating an even and visually attractive text block on each page, making the reading experience much smoother for readers and helping prevent widows or orphans from disrupting text flow. Additionally, this method can reduce widowed lines at the beginning or ends of pages, which can cause readers to stop scanning pages to locate individual words/lines/words of text that could otherwise jar their reading experience and create widows/orphans, which can cause distraction during the reading experience.