Typographical conventions are applied to text to call attention to content with significant value and emphasize meaning. Writing technical documents can be confusing when describing a process or task that combines computer skill vernacular with your subject vernacular. Such as a biomedical device or manufacturing process. Writers need a way to clarify their meaning among the combined subjects in a distinguishable, meaningful way. Enter typographical conventions.
Typographical conventions are formats applied to text that add specific meaning to the content. For example, the family, weight, size, and color of the font used in the text indicate to the reader more information than the text itself. Convention formats as italic to reference section or document titles, colored text to indicate cross-reference hyperlinks provide the reader with more information than the text alone. Another example—boldface to imply a term located in a glossary or a popup message that reveals more content.
Applying a different font in the body text is common, for instance, using Courier font to identify computer code or characters typed in a form field. Use san serif font to identify a computer window title shown on the screen. Below are some examples of commonly used conventions I use in technical documents.
Whatever textual formats you choose, document the convention-style and use it consistently throughout your content. Also, search the Internet for “typographical conventions” and see how text is formatted throughout various industries. No matter what style you choose, apply a style that best accommodates your documents.