Graphic Design & Illustration

Design: Layout Overview

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EmphasisMost design layouts contain some amount of text. Text can be accented by using capital letters, bold font, underlining, large size, and by leaving plenty of "white space" around the words.

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Note: "White space" refers to space in a layout that contains no designs, images, or text, and allows the eye to rest.

ReadabilityReadability is how easy it is for the reader to comprehend the text in a layout without being bored or fatigued. If the layout has high readability, then the material in it is easy to process and motivates the reader’s interest.

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BalanceThere are two different types of balance:

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Symmetrical layout is a mirror image of like items.

• Asymmetrical layout is a balance in visual weight, rather than in like items.

RhythmThe rate that the eye follows the direction of the design is how the eye reads the layout. The eye usually starts at the optical center of the page, and can follow a “Z” pattern and be affected by positioning of items, numbering, or pointing devices.

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Unity

The final layout technique relates to how the items on a page are arranged. Each method of presentation gives a different effect to the design.

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