What concept describes the visual appearance of printed matter?

The concept that describes the visual appearance of printed matter is typography. Typography involves the selection and arrangement of typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line spacing, and letter spacing, all of which contribute significantly to the aesthetics and legibility of printed text. Typography is crucial for conveying messages effectively in any printed medium, as it impacts how readers perceive and process the written information.

Graphic design, while it encompasses typography, also includes the overall planning and execution of visual elements and layouts, making it a broader concept. Layout refers specifically to the arrangement of visual and textual elements on a page or screen, focusing on composition rather than just the text itself. Font style pertains to the visual design of individual typefaces, but does not encompass the full spectrum of typography's impact on printed matter.