Editing Page Design & Layout

Page Layout One of the most important things editors do

Page Layout One of the most important things editors do You decide what is important

Page Layout One of the most important things editors do You decide what is important You decide on emphasis (what’s more or less important)

Page Layout How do pages work? We don’t really know.

Page Layout How do pages work? We don’t really know. A scientific approach:

Page Layout How do pages work? We don’t really know. A scientific approach:  Eyetrack Eyetrack  More about Eyetrack More about Eyetrack

Principles of Design Proportion — The ratio between elements on a page. Balance — Establishes the page’s equilibrium Contrast —Using two dramatically different elements to draw the reader’s attention Unity — Makes the page look like a planned and cohesive unit. Movement — Leads the reader’s eye direction

Basic Principles Top to bottom Left to right Modular — everything in rectangles Avoid bumping heads

Principles Top to bottom Let to right Entry point Balance Contrast Everything in rectangles Avoid bumping heads

Modular page design

Putting the puzzle together Text

Putting the puzzle together Text Photos

Putting the puzzle together Text Photos Headlines

Putting the puzzle together Text Photos Headlines Infographics

Putting the puzzle together Text Photos Headlines Infographics First step is to list and measure

Layout trends Usually one story, although news-based, is given feature play. Use shorter stories Break stories into segments Fewer jumps More sells or showcases More color Creative use of white space Variety of column widths

So how do you lay out open pages? Keep all story shapes rectangular Vary your shapes and sizes of stories and art. Emphasize what’s important.

Beware of bad juxtapositions Analyze every page design to determine:  If a photo sits at the intersection of two stories in a way that confuses readers  If two stories - or their headlines - seem inappropriate together on the same page

Give each page a dominant image

Balance and scatter art

Beware of butting headlines

Front page design Every paper’s news philosophy is visibly reflected on Page One:  In the play of photos  In the style of headlines  The variety of graphics  The number of stories

What’s wrong with these story designs?

What’s wrong with these page designs?