Download - 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.