Where to put a tick? - briefly
Place the tick directly adjacent to the item being marked, usually at the end of the line or beside the relevant entry. In forms, position it inside the checkbox or next to the option to indicate selection.
Where to put a tick? - in detail
The placement of a tick mark determines how information is interpreted, so precise positioning is essential. In printed forms, a tick should be centered within the square or circle that defines the response field. The mark must not touch the borders, and its size should be proportional to the box—typically 70–80 % of the box’s height. This ensures readability and prevents ambiguity with surrounding text.
When marking a timeline, a tick indicates a specific point in time. Align the tick vertically with the exact date or event on the horizontal axis. The line should extend downward (or upward) to intersect the axis at a right angle, and a short label may accompany it to identify the moment precisely.
In graphical charts, such as bar or line graphs, ticks serve as reference markers on axes. Place them at regular intervals that correspond to the scale’s unit values. Each tick line should be perpendicular to the axis, extending inward enough to be visible without obscuring data points.
For digital interfaces, a tick appears inside interactive elements like checkboxes or radio buttons. Render the tick centrally, using a vector shape that scales with the element’s size. Maintain a consistent stroke weight across the interface to preserve visual harmony.
Key considerations for accurate tick placement:
- Alignment: Center the mark within the designated area; avoid offsetting.
- Proportion: Size the tick relative to the container (≈ 75 % of container height).
- Clarity: Ensure the mark does not intersect surrounding text or graphics.
- Consistency: Apply uniform dimensions and positioning across all instances.
- Labeling: Pair the tick with a concise label when the context requires identification.
Following these guidelines guarantees that a tick conveys the intended selection or reference point without confusion.