Let the quotation lead and make every design choice support it

Verify the words before styling them

Check the quotation, punctuation, speaker and source against a reliable reference. If attribution is uncertain, omit it or label the uncertainty instead of attaching a famous name for visual credibility.

Preserve meaningful phrasing. A forced line break can change emphasis, while a missing word or altered punctuation can change the meaning entirely.

Build a readable hierarchy

1. Set the quotation firstGive it the largest area and choose a typeface with comfortable letterforms at phone size.
2. Break lines by phraseKeep short grammatical units together where possible instead of letting the canvas create awkward single-word lines.
3. Separate the attributionUse smaller type, spacing or a restrained accent so the name is clearly related but not competing.
4. Preview the actual share sizeA design that works at full browser width may fail as a small feed image.

Match treatment to quote length

• Short statementUse stronger scale, more empty space and one clear visual gesture.
• Long reflectionChoose a restrained template, wider line length and generous margins; avoid a busy photograph.
• Quote over a photoPlace text in open visual space and use an overlay that protects contrast without hiding the subject.
• Brand or campaign quoteKeep the logo and call to action subordinate so the testimonial or quotation remains credible.

Example: turn a long quote into a portrait card

Use a 4:5 canvas, set the quotation in a calm serif or highly readable sans serif, break at complete phrases and leave a clear gap before the attribution. Remove decorative elements until the smallest line remains comfortable on a phone. Include the source in the post caption when the card itself would become crowded.