1. Basic Principles of Layout

2. 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.

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

4. Achieving Unity in Layouts

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

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

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

8. 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

9. Which one is easier to read and why?

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

11. Using Grid Systems

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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Structure and Organize Content by using a Grid System!

19. 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.

20. Ex: Using Grid in Book Series

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

22. Grids Can Be Simple or Complex:

23. Grids Can Be Simple or Complex:

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

25. 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.

26. 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

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

28. 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

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

30. 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.

31. 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

32. 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?

33. 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?

34. Lots of Text vs Little Text

35. Young vs Older Audience

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

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

42. 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.

43. 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!

44. 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

45. Exercises

46. 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.

47. How are the elements aligned in this composition?