Place your speech bubble like a printed comic

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Bubbles are read as part of the picture. Put yours where it helps the reader, not where it hides the story. Here is what a well-placed bubble looks like.

Four habits that make it look right

01

Stay off the face

Eyes and mouth carry the emotion. Park the bubble in the empty space above or beside the head.

02

Point the tail at the mouth

The tail tells the reader who is talking. Keep it short and stop just before the face.

03

Keep clear of the edge

Printing trims a little off every side. Keep the full bubble and its text inside the dashed safe line.

04

Follow the reading order

People read left to right, top to bottom. The first speaker's bubble goes higher and further left than the reply.

These tips summarise lettering and storytelling principles taught by comic creators. Use them as a starting point and trust your eye.