One may open an existing word processing file, or create an altogether new file. The first step is to convert the entire file to utilize the MacMono font you have created for this purpose. The second step is to establish line length. This has little relevance to line lengths as created within the word processing program. First, you read your Monotype line-length scales to determine how many ems and units will be included in your designated line length. At the very beginning of your file, you keyboard a row of ems as previously determined; remaining units are designated either by keying fixed-unit spaces of needed value, or by keying a standard character of a like value. After this line is keyed in, adjustments are made within the word processing program to set right and left-hand margins tightly against this line of ems (but not so tight as to force the line to break into two lines). Once the margins are set, the "measure" line may be deleted if desired, and file processing ensues.

Proficiency in using search-and-change routines within the word processing software is most helpful. For example, searching for all "hard returns" (paragraph endings) and replacing them with a hard returned followed by fixed-unit spaces (such as an EM quad) as determined to be the paragraph indent. (Of course, you must eliminate automatic paragraph indentation as generally accomplished in the word processor automatically, because this automatic function will not carry forward to the Monotype caster. You need fixed spaces for paragraph indents!)

With margins properly established, the word processor automatically re-wraps the text to the new measure. Automatic hyphenation, spell-check, and similar word processing capabilities can and should be utilized. That includes designating italics (or boldfaces) and small capitals wherever they are desired so they’re visible within the text. The file next should be reviewed for the presence of bad widow lines, loose lines, etc. You gain a great advantage here, for your text may be edited to eliminate widow lines, reduce or expand line count, etc., to make the text fit a layout preciselyóand all is accomplished before any type is cast! Sometimes I purpose- fully re-break lines to avoid rows of hyphens, rivers of white, etc., all of which is visible on the screen, especially if you are utilizing a larger screen font. I prefer to work with my text in a "ragged right" fashion even if the finished work is going to be justified. The rag-right makes short lines quickly detected. But since it’s only a couple of keystrokes, I often switch my work to be "justified" so I may see rivers of white,etc., which are only visible when the job is shown on the screen as justified.