What are the best practices for formatting online notes?
Here are some best practices for formatting online notes to make them clear and easy to understand:
Structure and Organization:
- Headings and Subheadings: Break down your notes into clear sections using headings and subheadings. This creates a hierarchy and makes it easy to scan and find specific information.
- Lists and Bullet Points: Use bullet points or numbered lists to present information in a clear and concise way. This is great for things like key points, steps in a process, or pros and cons.
- Whitespace: Don't cram everything together. Use ample white space between sections of text and lines to improve readability and avoid overwhelming your reader (which could be you in the future!).
Clarity and Readability:
- Font Choice: Select a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri. Avoid fancy fonts that might be hard to decipher on a screen.
- Font Size: Keep the font size at a comfortable level, around 11pt or 12pt. Don't be tempted to shrink the font size to cram more information in.
- Bold and Italics: Use bold sparingly to highlight key points. Use italics for emphasis but avoid overuse, as it can reduce readability. Underlining is generally discouraged as it can be confused with hyperlinks.
Additional Tips:
- Color Coding: Consider using color strategically to categorize information or highlight important sections. However, ensure the colors have enough contrast and don't rely solely on color for clarity.
- Visuals: If relevant, include images, diagrams, or charts to enhance your notes and make complex information easier to understand.
- Abbreviations and Shorthand: Develop a system of abbreviations or shorthand for commonly used words or phrases to save time and space, but ensure it's clear and understandable to you when you revisit the notes.
Remember, the best formatting style depends on your personal preference and the type of information you're taking notes on. Experiment and find what works best for you!
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