Basic Principles of Layout

What is Page Layout? The term “layout” refers to the way in which we organize various materials that make up the content of our design.

What is Page Layout? Page layout refers to the actual document page and its composition. Software programs: PageMaker, QuarkXPress, InDesign, etc.

Achieving Unity in Layouts

Nothing Should Be Placed on the Page Arbitrarily. Align elements!

Every single element should have some visual Every single element should have some visual connection with another element on the page.  

Every single element should have some visual Every single element should have some visual connection with another element on the page.  

Create Visual Groups Unity Unity Unity Example 2 Example 3 Example 1 The tools that will help you effectively to lead the eye include the position of the elements and their size. Unity The tools that will help you effectively to lead the eye include the position of the elements and their size. The tools that will help you effectively to lead the eye include the position of the elements and their size. Example 2 Example 3 Example 1

Which one is easier to read and why?  

Information Hierarchy Watch this great video: http://www. youtube

Using Grid Systems

What is a Grid? Grid is an invisible framework for all pages in a document, a visual anchor for text & pictures.

The Most Common Types of Grids: One Column Two Columns Header and Four Columns

Elements of a Grid: Margins: Define the outside boundary of your page. Do not have to be equal all around. Should be consistent on all pages. Margins

Elements of a Grid: Alleys: The space between grid units is called an alley. Ex: White space between columns of text. Alleys

Elements of a Grid: Gutters: In a 2-page spread, the gutter is the inside margin. It’s the space on either side of the fold. Gutter

Grids Can Help to Determine 1. The margins of the piece 2. Space between headlines, body text, photos 3. Tell you the placement of elements on the page

Structure and Organize Content by using a Grid System!

Grids in Ads and Publications Publications such as magazines and newsletters almost always require a grid. Grids can: 1. Provide page to page continuity 2. Reduce production time.

Ex: Using Grid in Book Series

Art of Salvador Dali – book spreads Multiple Page Layouts Art of Salvador Dali – book spreads

Grids Can Be Simple or Complex:

Grids Can Be Simple or Complex:

Most Popular Grids The Rule of Thirds Space is divided into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, creating a grid of rectangles

Most Popular Grids The Rule of Thirds The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the image.

1. Establishing Text Area Size Grid Based on a Golden Section 1. Establishing Text Area Size Blue lines are used to construct text area, same proportion as the paper / 2:3 ratio Text area (grey rectangular) defines where majority of the content will be placed

2. Establishing Column Width Grid Based on a Golden Section 2. Establishing Column Width Column A B

3. Creating Hanging Line for Text Grid Based on a Golden Section 3. Creating Hanging Line for Text Line C Hanging Line Line A A B

Layout Showing Placement of Images & Text Grid Based on a Golden Section Layout Showing Placement of Images & Text Headline Headline

One Grid, Many Designs! Grids do not have to be boring. If the grid is properly used, interesting and dynamic designs can be created. Ex: 4x4 (16 unit) grid system includes 4 images & text.

How to Design Good Layouts? A good layout should: 1. Be visually appealing 2. Use images and text in a way which effectively conveys the message to the intended audience

Where Do I Start? Receive a Creative Brief from Client. Ask and answer these questions: How much text do I have? How many images do I need to include? Who is my target audience? What is the overall format and size? Is client looking for a particular style?

Analyze and Plan Ahead Content or Page Elements: Text: 1. Lots of images or very few? 2. Will there be headlines, rules, pull-quotes, etc.? Text: 1. How much text will I have? 2. Long articles or short, how many subheads, etc.? Photos and Illustrations: 1. Will I have a lot of same size images? 2. Can images be grouped by size or type? Are there a lot of rectangular elements or irregular shapes?

Lots of Text vs Little Text

Young vs Older Audience

Which Grid is Best? Lots of text with few graphics: 1-3 unit grid. Ex: Book with long chapters, few images. Brochures and magazines with a lot of photos: A grid with many smaller units is required to allow for greater flexibility. Newsletters: 1, 2 and 3 column grids are common. 4 or more columns offer greater flexibility for publications with text, photos, and other graphic elements and a mix of long and short articles.

Grids Don’t Have to Limit Design! Layouts based on grids are not appropriate in all cases! Grids should fit the mix of elements rather than force elements to fit the grid.

Grids: How to Add Flexibility? Resize photos to fill 2-3 or more grid units. You don’t have to always fill the entire grid unit either. Fill 2 1/2 grid units with a photo, leaving some extra white space.

Gutters and margins are not off-limits. Bleed photos off the edge of the page. You don't have to fill every little grid unit.

Bleed photos off the edge of the page Bleed photos off the edge of the page. You don’t have to fill every little grid unit.

There are many ways to add white space to your designs - leaving some grid units open is one way.

If 1 grid is good, 2 could be better. Some publications use mixed grids for different types of content. You can also have 2 grids on the same page.

This is an example of a mixed grid: As with any grid system, use it consistently. Let content guide your design and make your grid a partner in your page layout – not a dictator!

Summary: Why Do We Use Grids. 1 Summary: Why Do We Use Grids? 1. To organize content on a page using any combination of margins, guides, rows and columns 2. To achieve unity among various elements (text and graphics) by providing framework with which to construct the design 3. To achieve consistency in layout through the whole publication

Exercises

How are the elements aligned in this composition? Opening two-page magazine spread for an article stressing the need for a nationwide online wetland inventory. Grid follows the magazine’s own column structure. Squares represent snippets of screen-captures from the company’s online map database.

How are the elements aligned in this composition?