Libraries have different book formats to cater to different readers’ needs. Among the myriad of formats available, large print vs regular print books are two of the oldest and most popular formats with the same purpose in providing reading material and significant differences in text size, readability, and accessibility. This article will present the differences between large print and regular print books that will guide you in choosing the most appropriate one either for yourself or your loved ones.
Table of Contents
What is Regular Print?
Regular print is the most common and widespread type of text found in books, newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. Regular print books usually set their text within the 10 to 12 points font size range, depending on the publisher’s choice as a rule of thumb. This is the ideal size overall for most readers, especially for people who don’t have vision problems or reading impairments.
Benefits of Regular Print:
- Default format for most books, magazines, and other printed works.
- Most suitable for readers with no visual impairment.
- Provides an ideal balance between text size and space on the page.
Common Uses of Regular Print Books:
- Fiction novels
- Textbooks and reference materials
- Newspapers and magazines
What is Large Print?
But the letters in the large print books are much larger than those of the regular print books. The font size of a large print book is usually 16-18 points in font size compared to 1.5-2 times that of a standard section text. Large print books are meant for individuals who find it difficult to read smaller-sized texts due to visual impairment or other such problems.
Benefits of Large Print:
- Easier to read for individuals with low vision.
- Reduces strain on vision, comfort during reading.
- Best fitted to elderly people, dyslexics, or virtually anybody who has difficulty reading text that is print small.
Common Uses of Large Print Books:
- Novels and fiction
- Non-fiction and self-help books
- Educational materials for those with visual impairments
Key Differences Between Large Print and Regular Print Books
Large print and regular print books have the same content, but they are physical and reading experience-wise different. Some of the differences include:
1. Font Size:
- Regular Print: The font size of regular print books was usually between 10 to 12 points which is readable to most of the readers who don’t have any vision issues.
- Large Print: Books in large print contain a font size of between 16 and 18 points that is more legible to people with low vision.
2. Accessibility:
- Regular Print: Regular print books are made for the average reader with no particular consideration for vision requirements.
- Large Print: Large print books are specifically created to meet the needs of visually impaired readers, in a way that allows them to read the material despite their inability to handle smaller text.
3. Page Layout:
- Regular Print: Regular print books have a compact space layout to conserve space and minimize the physical size of the book.
- Large Print: Large print books have fewer words on a page, which makes the physical book big. It helps to be very readable but makes the book bigger.
4. Reading Experience:
- Regular Print: The comfort of reading regular print books does not seem to tire most readers for long periods of time.
- Large Print: Larger print actually makes texts more readable, but for some, it is overwhelming or disrupts the flow of reading.
Who Should Choose Large Print vs Regular Print Books?
The use of large print books or regular print depends on your reading need and preference. Following are some points that can help you decide:
1. Vision and Reading Comfort:
If you struggle to read from tiny print or your eyes hurt after reading, then large print books are the answer because it will cut down on efforts required in reading and make reading a lot easier.
2. Changes in Eyesight Due to Age:
Older people begin to notice changes in their vision because of the difficulty in reading fine print. Large print books are much easier on older people who are suffering from presbyopia or any other age-induced vision problems.
3. Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities:
Larger letters will be more effective at stopping someone, especially someone who is dyslexic or has any other reading impairments, from missing lines or losing their place in the text of the book.
4. Space and Portability:
Regular print books tend to be the smaller ones, thereby making them a lighter choice to carry. Portability and convenient storage being your top priorities, regular print books would then seem to be a better option.
5. Cost Considerations:
Large print books are sometimes pricier than regular print books because they contain more paper and cost more to produce. If the price is the most important factor, then it might be that regular print books would be a great option for you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Large Print vs Regular Print Books
Advantages of Regular Print:
- Compact and Carry Proprietary: Standard print books are that much lighter and smaller, hence making them carry-friendly.
- Wide Availability: Standard print books are more available than large print books, hence leaving readers with better options.
- More Economical: As there are less production costs, most standard print books are cheaper than large print books.
Disadvantages of Regular Print:
- Hards for Some to Read: Everyday print is hard to read without difficulty for a disabled or vision impaired person.
Advantages of Large Print:
- Easier Reading: Large print books are described as being easier to read for a person who has vision impairment or who suffers from eye strain.
- Comfortable for Reading for Hours: Large writing can minimize the need for squinting or shifts in reading positions.
Disadvantages of Large Print:
- Bigger and Heavier: Large print books are heavier and bigger, and it is actually very hard to read on the go, for instance, for a commuting reader who enjoys reading during transit.
- A limited number of options: Though the number of large print books is definitely better, there are still less options in comparison to regular prints.
- Higher Price Point: The larger print edition would be pretty pricey in contrast with the same standard print publication considering the level of production expenses being higher.
Choosing the Right Print Size: Tips for Different Needs
When you’re about to choose large print or standard print books, you must consider the below factors:
- Assess Your Vision Needs: If you find it difficult to read small text or are finding your eyes getting tired, large print books are the solution to your problem.
- Consider the Type of Book: Short stories, magazines, or guide books may be better adapted to regular print since they are shorter in length. But for novels, large print may be better for longer periods of reading.
- Test Before You Purchase: Most bookstores or libraries allow testing readability before you buy. Read a page in each format and decide which one is ideal for you.
Conclusion: Which Format is Right for You?
But finally, it’s your call: large print or regular print books. For those who have a reading disability because of vision loss or other related challenges, large print is easier to read. Standard print books would remain the standard for most readers, however. Large print or regular, readers need not worry that they cannot enjoy a fabulous universe of books and literature, no matter their vision needs.
FAQ : Large print vs regular print books
Do large print books equal audiobooks?
Large print books are not distinct from audiobooks, although both are made for visually impaired reading. Although large print books are ones in which text is bigger than others, someone reads aloud a voice version of the words.
Do all genres contain large print books?
All major print categories offer big print books, but not as many selections as regular print. The most popular large print categories are fiction, non-fiction, and best-selling novels.
Are large print books available in e-book format?
Yes, some large print books are offered in e-book format. E-books on an e-reader allow a reader to read at the desired size, the same as with a big print book.