3.1.4.2 Typographic elements

The typographic elements are used to highlight text with styles (such as bold, italic, and monospace). Never use these elements when a semantically specific element is available. These elements are not intended for use by specializers, and are intended solely for use by authors when no semantically appropriate element is available and a formatting effect is required.

• 3.1.4.2.1 b
  The bold (<b>) element is used to apply bold highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the DITA highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as GUI controls, use the <uicontrol> element.
• 3.1.4.2.2 i
  The italic (<i>) element is used to apply italic highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the DITA highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as variable names, use the <varname> element.
• 3.1.4.2.3 sup
  The superscript (<sup>) element indicates that text should be superscripted, or vertically raised in relationship to the surrounding text. Superscripts are usually a smaller font than the surrounding text. This element is part of the DITA highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available.
• 3.1.4.2.4 sub
  A subscript (<sub>) indicates that text should be subscripted, or placed lower in relationship to the surrounding text. Subscripted text is often a smaller font than the surrounding text. Formatting may vary depending on your output process. This element is part of the DITA highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available.
• 3.1.4.2.5 tt
  The teletype (<tt>) element is used to apply monospaced highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the DITA highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as inline code fragments, use the <codeph> element.
• 3.1.4.2.6 u
  The underline (<u>) element is used to apply underline highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the DITA highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as GUI controls, use the <uicontrol> element.

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