What is that "Lorem Ipsum" filler copy used in templates?

Question

You know, when an example of a template is up for review before being published... The main blocks of copy (text) often seem to contain phrases, starting with "Lorem Ipsum..." (or something close to that).

It sounds Latin.
If it is, what does it mean?

And why not use English words (if it's an English template, or, say, French if it's a French template)?

In fact, why not use keyboard smashings (asdf jkl and the like)?

There has to be a reason for this. Can anyone help? Please, it has bugged me for over ten years now!

Answer 1

Well it's based on a Latin text, Cicero's "De finibus bonorum et malorum". It isn't meant to have any meaning, they've just taken excerpts from it. If you want to read what the original text says and the English translation check this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorem_ipsum

The main point of it is that when you are presenting to your client, you want them to get the concept (the layout, the look and feel, font etc) and not be distracted with what the text says. I work in the graphic design industry, and trust me, presentations can be dismissed for the smallest reasons.

The reason they use this is because it closely resembles English when your eye scans it, so it looks right, without being distracting. And it's just industry standard. The actual text used can vary, as I said it has no real meaning.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

It's just gobbledegook filler to show you what the finished product will look like with text inside it. Think of it as a preview.