Large Print Workflow
Guide to producing large print materials for visually impaired students.
Workflow Steps
1. Intake & Requirements
- Purpose: Gather specifications
- Tasks:
- Confirm student's visual acuity
- Determine required font size
- Note color/contrast preferences
- Check for specific formatting needs
- Key Questions:
- What is the student's preferred font size?
- Are there color/contrast requirements?
- Any specific layout preferences?
2. Source Preparation
- Purpose: Optimize source document
- Tasks:
- Convert to editable format if needed
- Remove unnecessary formatting
- Simplify complex layouts
- Extract images for separate processing
- Tools: Pandoc, LibreOffice
- Purpose: Apply large print styles
- Tasks:
- Set font size (18pt, 20pt, 24pt, etc.)
- Adjust line spacing (1.5x or 2x)
- Increase margins
- Simplify tables and lists
- Font Recommendations:
- Sans-serif: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica
- Serif: Times New Roman (for some students)
4. Image Processing
- Purpose: Make images accessible
- Tasks:
- Increase resolution (300+ DPI)
- Add alt text
- Ensure sufficient contrast
- Enlarge or simplify complex images
- Tools: GIMP, ImageMagick
5. Proofreading
- Purpose: Verify readability
- Tasks:
- Check font consistency
- Verify image quality
- Test with screen magnifier
- Review color contrast
- Tools: Screen magnifier, color contrast analyzer
6. Printing
- Purpose: Produce physical output
- Tasks:
- Select printer
- Load paper
- Configure print settings
- Run test print
- Equipment: Large format printer
- Consumables: Large print paper, toner/ink
7. Binding & Finishing
- Purpose: Prepare for delivery
- Tasks:
- Collate pages
- Bind or staple
- Add cover page if needed
- Package securely
- Options:
- Spiral binding
- Comb binding
- Stapled
- Loose leaf
8. Delivery
- Purpose: Send to recipient
- Tasks:
- Record delivery method
- Capture signature if required
- Update inventory
- Status: Delivered
Font Sizes by Grade Level
| Grade Level |
Recommended Size |
Minimum Size |
| K-2 |
24pt |
20pt |
| 3-5 |
20pt |
18pt |
| 6-8 |
18pt |
16pt |
| 9-12 |
16pt |
14pt |
| College |
14pt |
12pt |
Spacing Requirements
| Element |
Standard |
Large Print |
| Line spacing |
1.0x |
1.5x - 2.0x |
| Paragraph spacing |
0pt |
6pt - 12pt |
| Margins |
1" |
1.25" - 1.5" |
| Column spacing |
0.5" |
0.75" - 1" |
Color & Contrast
- Minimum contrast ratio: 4.5:1
- Recommended: Black text on white background
- Acceptable alternatives:
- Dark blue on white
- Black on light yellow
- White on black (for some students)
Paper Sizes & Specifications
| Size |
Dimensions |
Common Use |
| Letter |
8.5" x 11" |
Standard documents |
| Legal |
8.5" x 14" |
Longer documents |
| A4 |
8.27" x 11.69" |
International |
| 11x17 |
11" x 17" |
Large tables, charts |
| Custom |
Varies |
Special requirements |
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue |
Cause |
Solution |
| Text too small |
Wrong font size |
Increase to minimum 18pt |
| Poor contrast |
Low contrast colors |
Use high contrast theme |
| Images unclear |
Low resolution |
Re-scan at 300+ DPI |
| Layout broken |
Complex formatting |
Simplify layout |
| Paper jams |
Wrong paper size |
Check printer settings |
| Toner smudging |
Low quality toner |
Replace toner cartridge |