Applying relative font sizes

Text formatted with a relative font size appears at a size related to the size set in the Web browser's preferences. Most viewers have their browsers configured to display text at 12 points. By applying a relative font size to text, you can make it appear the same as, smaller than, or larger than the default size set in the browser's preferences, or at a smaller or larger size in relation to the default size or the base font size of the document.

Note: The relative size attributes are part of the font element, which is known to cause problems with browsers interpreting style sheets. To apply font sizes to text using CSS styles instead. (See Setting Font properties.)

To apply a relative font size to text:

1. Select the text that you want to format.
2. Choose a relative font size from the Type > Size menu or the Font Size pop-up menu on the toolbar:
• Choose a size between 1 and 7 to display a size relative to the browser's preferences. Size 3 displays text at the default font size set in the browser's preferences, sizes 1 and 2 display text at a smaller size, and sizes 4 through 7 display text at a larger size.
• Choose a size between +1 and +7 to display text at a size that's larger than the default or base font size of the document (+1 displays text one font size larger and so on).
• Choose a size between -1 and -7 to display text at a size that's smaller than the default or base font size of the document (-1 displays text one font size smaller and so on).