Desktop Publishing

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Desktop Publishing Design Elements


Proximity • Content-related items should be in close proximity.


Alignment • builds a strong backbone to anchor your design

Balance • organizes

content visually

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Flow •The reader’s eyes should flow from left to right.


Emphasis • Use graphics, design, typefaces, & white space that emphasize items of importance.


Contrast • Creates an interesting effect. • Establishes emphasis. • Something small in a large space reduces competition.

Plant is emphasized!


Type Classification • used for headlines, sub heads.

• generally used for body copy or text. • letters have lines or curves at top and bottom.


White Space • A layout tool planned along with the visual elements.* • Enhances readability.* • Most effective if it has clearly defined geometric shape.*


Graphics Use Graphics to: • Support content. Clarity or Confusion??

• Convey intended message. • Appeal to audience’s senses.


CMY Color Cyan Magenta Yellow (CMY) • • • • •

Subtractive Primary Colors Used for Print Clash - opposite colors Harmonize - too similar Contrast - optimum readability

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RGB Color Red Green Blue (RGB) • Additive Primary Colors • Used on screen • The visible spectrum of light breaks down into RED, GREEN, and BLUE.

TIP: Use Pantone Matching System (PMS) codes to achieve true colors.


Repetition • Builds consistency. • Emphasizes information.


Grids • An underlying series of vertical and horizontal lines that are visible to the designer but do not print.* • Used as a guide to help place text and other design elements.*


Margins • If you have a 1⁄4" margin from the edge of the sheet, you need a 1⁄2" margin between the text in the two panels so it is centered when it is folded.


Consistency • Overall cohesiveness of content within a document.


Unity • Refers to how the elements appear together as a unit.* • Link related pieces to create visual effect. – Ex: Logos, colors, or slogans.


Design Pitfalls • Orphan word or words isolated at the end of a column or paragraph. • Widow word or words isolated at the top of a page.


Desktop Publishing Sins • • • • • •

Excessive fonts Improper margins Misuse of type No clear “Hierarchy of Importance Busy layout No layout flow


Citations http://www.landmarkproject.com/citation_machine/index.php


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