What is initial caps?

Initial caps, also known as drop caps or titling capitals, are a typographic technique used to enhance the design and readability of a text. It involves enlarging the first letter of a word or paragraph and setting it in a different font, style, or color from the rest of the text.

Initial caps have a long history in typography, dating back to illuminated manuscripts of the middle ages. In the print era, they were used in books, newspapers, and magazines to mark the beginning of a chapter or article, and to add visual interest to the page.

With the advent of digital typography, initial caps have become even more versatile and customizable. Designers can choose from a variety of fonts, sizes, colors, and effects to create unique and attractive designs. Initial caps are popular in editorial design, branding, and web design, and are often used to create a visual hierarchy or to highlight key information.

However, it's important to use initial caps judiciously, as overuse or inappropriate use can lead to visual clutter and distract from the content. A good rule of thumb is to limit the use of initial caps to the beginning of major sections or chapters, and to use a consistent style and size throughout the text.