"Preformatted text started off in HTML with a simple mechanism for showing computer output, for which the spaces and line breaks were significant in determining the layout. The desire to offer Unix manual pages as hypertext forced a rethink. The next version supported character emphasis and embedded hypertext buttons. HTML+ adds the capability to use variable pitch fonts and to set up tab stops. The LIT element is rendered in a proportional font,"
The ability to set tab stops in LITeral text makes it much easier to write filters that convert documents written on word processors into HTML+. Tab stops can be set by the <TAB> element and apply for the scope of the LIT element," (HTML+)
