Choosing a type size

The type size determines how large the type appears in the image. The default unit of measurement for type is points, which is approximately 1/72 of an inch in a 72-ppi image. However, you can change the default unit of measurement in the Units & Rulers section of the Preferences dialog box. You can also choose which point size definition to use--PostScript or Traditional.

Note: Choose PostScript (72 points per inch) if you are printing on a PostScript device, otherwise choose Traditional (72.27 points per inch).

The physical size of the font depends on the resolution of the image. 72-point text is approximately 1-inch high in an image that is 72 dpi. Higher resolutions reduce the effective size of a given text point size because the pixels are packed tighter in higher resolution images.

To choose a type size:

1 If you're working with an existing layer, select one or more characters whose size you want to change. To change the size of all characters in a layer, select the type layer in the Layers palette, and then select a type tool.

2 In the options bar, enter or select a new value for Size (). To use an alternate unit of measurement, enter the unit (in, cm, pt, px, or pica) after the value in the Size text box. The value you enter is converted to the default unit of measurement. You can enter a size larger than 72 points.

To specify the default unit of measurement for type:

1 Choose Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers.

2 Select a unit of measurement for Type.

To specify the point size definition:

1 Choose Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers.

2 Select an option for Point/Pica Size. Traditional points are slightly smaller than PostScript points.

Using Type > Formatting characters > Choosing a type size