Desktop publishing is the process of creating printed documents with the use of a computer. The process includes the coordination of text and graphics to create a visually appealing document based on basic guidelines. These guidelines include contrast, balance, proportion, rhythm, white space, and typography. Another aspect of desktop publishing to consider is a layout grid to help organize information.

Read the information below to learn about the concepts related to desktop publishing. After you finish, use your new skills to complete the tasks.

Task One | Task Two | Task Three | Task 4

Contrast is used to add interest to a document. View example one and two, which one is more appealing?

You can create contrast by:
            Use different sizes of text and images
            Add dark or light shading and lines to text
            Use graphics, especially of different shapes (don’t forget about wrap text)
            Use color    

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Another important aspect of desktop publishing is balance. This is the visual appearance of both sides of a page having equal weight. Balance also refers to an equal amount of text and graphics.

There are two types of balance: formal and informal. Formal balance is created when all items on a page are centered while informal balance is achieved by offsetting the items.

View the examples to get a better understanding of balance.

Example 1                 Example 2                 Example 3

Key point to consider when creating balance:

• Larger items have more visual weight than smaller items
• Darker items have more visual weight than lighter ones
• Round or irregular shaped items have more visual weight than like-sized rectangular items

Proportion is the relationship between the size of an item and its importance. Large items indicate greater importance than smaller items. Proportion not only makes a page visually appealing, but helps a reader identify different sections.

Compare these examples.        

Example One                Example Two

Power of Eyes, Apparent Motion and Lines

Science shows that people tend to look where other are looking, especially in a photograph or painting. We can use this to lead our readers to information. When using images of people or animals pay attention to where their eyes are pointing. That’s where you want to put text.

Look at example one. Where do you want to look? How about example two?

In example one you are pulled off of the page, while in the second example you are drawn to the text.

Apparent motion is the idea that images can create movement on a page. Images of things in motion cause readers to follow the expected path. . A bicyclist pedaling can draw your eye across the page. These examples show you good use and poor use of apparent motion.

Example One                Example Two

The lines of an object can also be used to pull the readers eyes to a specific location on a page. Straight lines in graphics are more effective than curved lines. If you aren’t using lines in a graphic, a line, or rule, can be used to emphasize a point.

Compare these examples.

Example One                Example Two

White space is the empty area on a page. White space can be used to emphasize information and it can make a page more appealing. A page filled with information will likely make a reader thing that they will have to work hard to get information, while a page with a little amount of text seems easier.  

Example One                Example Two

In design there are two types of fonts: serif and san serif. Serif fonts are fonts that have little feet and tails (serifs) on the letters. Common serif fonts include Times New Roman, Garamond, Bookman Old Style and Courier.

Sans Serif fonts are fonts that do not have serifs. Common Sans Serif fonts are Arial, Verdana and Tahoma.

Two additional font types have limited design use. One type of font is considered decorative. Decorative fonts include Herman, Flakes, and Wonton. Another category of font is script fonts. Script fonts look like cursive handwriting. Examples include Brush Script, Lisbon Handwriting and Park Avenue.

For printing purposes it is recommended that you use sans serif fonts for headlines, captions or small type. Body copy should be set in a serif font. These are general rules for printing document with a lot of text. Posters and flyers may not follow the same rules and often include decorative and script fonts.

The rule of thumb for fonts is to use two to three fonts and two or three sizes when creating documents.  

Layout Grids can be used to organize the information on a page. Another way to think of a layout grid is columns. A common layout grid uses three columns; take a look at a magazine or newspaper.

Compare the two examples to see how layout grids improve organization.

Example One                Example Two