dtp design elements

Desktop Publishing

CRAP

Four Basic Principles

•Contrast•Repetition•Alignment•Proximity

Contrast

Contrast is what makes a reader look at the page in the first place. It is the most important visual attraction on the page

• Avoid elements on the page that are merely similar

• If elements are not the same, them make them very different

Examples of Contrast

Repetition

Repeating visual elements of the design throughout the piece.

• Repeat color• Repeat shapes, textures• Repeat spatial relationships• Repeat line thickness, fonts, sizes, graphic

conceptsThis develops the organization and

strengthens the unity.

Examples of Repetition

Alignment

• Nothing should be place on the page arbitrarily

• Every element should have some visual connection with another element on the page

This creates a clean, sophisticated, fresh look

Picture of Alignment

Proximity

• Items relating to each other should be grouped close together

• When grouped together they become one visual unit rather than several units

This helps organize information, reduces, clutter and gives the reader a clear structure.