Paragraphs
Paragraphs are created by "p tags": <p> and </p>. These tags are created by hitting Enter (return).
- The closing </p> tag creates a double return (one empty line following the paragraph).
- To create a one-line return, use a break tag instead: <br />. This is created by hitting SHIFT+ENTER. It will align the text with the text above it. Example: Use a break tag in an item in a bulleted list, the line will be indented under the copy in the item.
The break tag let me start a new thought, here, or I could create an address that doesn't have double line breaks between lines:
Elmer Fudd
123 Elm Street
Springfield, MO 12345
- Keep them short
Keep paragraphs easy-to-read by making them only one to two sentences long. Short paragraphs are much less intimidating to readers, and are more likely to be read in the first place.
Separate by topic
Web users want to find information quickly. By keeping paragraphs short and limited to a single topic, you can make copy more scannable and user-friendly.
Example:
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Original copy: Founded in 1986, Priority Health is a nationally recognized health insurance company based in Michigan. In November 2009, Priority Health Medicare plans were again 5-star (excellent) rated by Medicare beneficiaries, the only plans in Michigan to earn this rating two years in a row. In November 2008, U.S. News & World Report magazine again rated Priority Health one of the nation's top health plans.
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Re-formatted for the Web:
Founded in 1986, Priority Health is a nationally recognized health insurance company based in Michigan.
In November 2009, Priority Health Medicare plans were again 5-star (excellent) rated by Medicare beneficiaries, the only plans in Michigan to earn this rating two years in a row.
In November 2008, U.S. News & World Report magazine again rated Priority Health one of the nation's top health plans.
