What does the baseline refer to in typography?

The baseline in typography is the imaginary line upon which a line of text rests. It serves as a reference point for aligning letters in a typeface, determining how characters appear in relation to each other. When writing, most characters sit on this baseline, while descenders from letters such as 'g' and 'y' extend below it, and ascenders from letters like 'b' and 'd' rise above it. This line helps to ensure consistent visual spacing and alignment across a body of text, making it critical for readability and overall design.

Understanding the role of the baseline is essential when working with type in design, as it influences how text looks and interacts with other visual elements on a page.