subject: Effective Layout Composing Tips [print this page] "The process of arranging and rearranging text and graphics on a page is referred to as magazine layout composing. A composition is said to be good when it is pleasant to the eye and can convey the message of the text and graphics effectively to the audience. Based on the principles of design, the following are some page composition tips for a good composition.
Lay out each text or graphic element on the page so that they are either aligned or arranged in a grid. You align them horizontally or vertically, along the same edge or centered. You can just line them by reviewing but a grid is very helpful especially for complex layouts. Remember that the human perception requires a certain amount of order and consistency so this tip is important.
Select one visual connection, or create a strong one. The simplest and most powerful layouts use just one strong visual. But if you are using multiple images, keep them connected by utilizing alignment and proximity. Group the images so they can create a single visual unit, and then align them similarly.
Make sure that you maintain odd or even elements in harmony. In order to create balance, maintain the number of text and graphic elements and arrange them symmetrically on the page. A dynamic layout is created by odd numbers. Make use of an odd number of visuals and an odd number of text columns (3 or 5). On the other hand, you can also create a dynamic layout with an asymmetrical arrangement of elements. Symmetrical balance generally produces a formal or more static layout. Using two or four columns or a block of four pictures is a great example.
The rule of thirds makes for a more pleasant composition is possible if the arrangement of text and graphics can be placed by following these guides:
- Make sure that important elements are spaced more evenly within either the horizontal or vertical thirds.
- The upper or lower third of the page should be where the concentration of important elements.
- After dividing the page into three parts horizontally and three parts vertically, center the important elements on one of the points where lines intersect.
The white space or empty space is just as important as the text and graphics on the page. Even if a page is perfectly aligned and balanced and falls within the rule of thirds, cramming too much on the page can still ruin a composition. Make sure that you provide visual breathing room for the page. The edges of the page and the edges of text and graphic elements are best places for these white spaces. In this way, the white space doesn't get trapped in the middle of the page but increased paragraph, line and spacing of the letters can improve a layout.
