An apparatus and method for laying out a sign containing a plurality of lines of text performs and comprises the steps of entering into a computer information defining the sign text and the heights of the lines of text, providing a spatial factor which corresponds to a related level of openness of the sign, and positioning the lines of text relative to each other to yield balanced spacings between the lines which are a function of the spatial factor and one or more of the line heights. Provision for top, bottom and side margins may also be provided. The layed-out sign may be displayed or plotted and, if it is not satisfactory, the operator may select another spatial factor to provide another lay-out of differing openness.