Section 6 · Typography

Baseline

Definition

The invisible line on which the majority of letters sit and from which most vertical type measurements are taken.

Why it matters

The baseline is the reference every other typographic measurement hangs off; aligning text to a consistent baseline grid is what makes multi-column layouts feel calm and ordered.

Example

Rounded letters like “o” and “e” dip slightly below the baseline (an overshoot) so they appear to sit on it optically rather than mathematically.