Definition of Hard Return / Soft Return in Graphic Design
In graphic design, a hard return and a soft return are formatting options used to control the flow and layout of text within a document or design software.
Hard Return
A hard return, also known as a line break or paragraph break, is a formatting command that indicates the end of a line or paragraph of text. It is typically created by pressing the “Enter” or “Return” key on a keyboard. A hard return forces the text to start a new line or paragraph, creating clear visual breaks between sections of content.
Soft Return
A soft return, also known as a soft line break, is a formatting option that allows text to flow onto the next line without creating a new paragraph. Unlike a hard return, which creates a distinct break in the text flow, a soft return simply moves the cursor to the next line while maintaining the continuity of the paragraph. In some design software, a soft return is created by pressing “Shift + Enter” or “Ctrl + Enter”.
Usage
Hard returns and soft returns are used in graphic design to control the layout and formatting of text, particularly in documents, publications, and digital interfaces. Designers use hard returns to create clear visual breaks between paragraphs or sections of text, while soft returns are used to adjust line breaks within paragraphs without disrupting the overall flow of content.
Related Terms
- Line Spacing: The vertical space between lines of text, adjusted using leading or line height settings, which can affect the readability and aesthetics of text blocks.
- Justification: The alignment of text along the left, right, or both margins of a text block, including options such as left-aligned, right-aligned, centered, and justified.
- Widow: A single word or short line of text that appears alone at the end of a paragraph or column, considered undesirable in typography due to its awkward visual appearance.
- Orphan: A single word or short line of text that appears alone at the beginning of a paragraph or column, considered undesirable in typography due to its disjointed appearance.
- Hyphenation: The automatic insertion of hyphens at the end of lines to break words and improve the appearance of justified text, controlled by hyphenation settings in design software.
Related questions about hard return / soft return
- What is the difference between a hard return and a soft return?
A hard return creates a clear break between lines or paragraphs of text, while a soft return allows text to flow onto the next line within the same paragraph. - When should a designer use a hard return instead of a soft return?
A designer should use a hard return when they want to start a new paragraph or create a clear visual break between sections of text. - How can a designer adjust line breaks within a paragraph using soft returns?
A designer can use soft returns to adjust line breaks within a paragraph by inserting a soft return at the desired point in the text, allowing the text to flow onto the next line without creating a new paragraph. - What are some common applications of hard returns and soft returns in graphic design?
Hard returns are commonly used to format paragraphs, headings, and lists, while soft returns are used to adjust line breaks within paragraphs or to create line breaks within headers or titles without starting a new paragraph. - Are hard returns and soft returns supported in all design software?
Yes, most design software supports hard returns and soft returns as basic text formatting options, although the specific commands or keyboard shortcuts for creating them may vary between applications.
