Designing Quote Graphics: Templates, Typography, and Accessibility

Quote graphics are a primary vehicle for sharing bite-sized wisdom. Good design amplifies meaning; bad design obscures it. This guide offers templates, typographic rules, color contrast tips, and export settings to make your quote images readable, shareable, and accessible.

Template basics

Use simple templates for clarity: a plain background, a central quote block, small attribution line, and optional logo. Maintain a consistent grid to ensure repeatability across social posts.

Typography rules

• Pair a display type for the quote with a neutral sans for attribution.
• Limit lines: keep quotes under four lines for mobile readability.
• Use font-size hierarchy: quote (24–48pt), attribution (10–14pt) depending on canvas.

Color and contrast

Ensure at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers help. Avoid color combinations that rely on hue alone to differentiate meaning; include icons or patterns for accessibility.

Export and sizing

Export at 2x or 3x target resolution for clarity on high-density screens. Save master files in editable formats so you can update attributions or translations quickly.

Production workflow

1. Create two templates: one for short quotes and one for longer contextual quotes.
2. Batch-produce a week’s worth to maintain consistency.
3. Include alt text with a short rendition of the quote and the attribution.

Accessibility and captions

Always include descriptive alt text and caption the image in social posts. For longer quotes, provide a link to a text version to assist screen readers.

Final advice: Good design makes quotes audible to the eye. Prioritize legibility and provenance over ornamentation. When in doubt, simplify.