editing page design & layout. page layout one of the most important things editors do
TRANSCRIPT
Editing
Page Design & Layout
Page Layout
• One of the most important things editors do
Page Layout
• One of the most important things editors do
• You decide what is important
Page Layout
• One of the most important things editors do
• You decide what is important
• You decide on emphasis (what’s more or less important)
Page Layout
• How do pages work?
• We don’t really know.
Page Layout
• How do pages work?
• We don’t really know.
• A scientific approach:
Page Layout
• How do pages work?
• We don’t really know.
• A scientific approach: Eyetrack More about Eyetrack
Principles of Design
• Proportion — The ratio between elements on a page.
• Balance — Establishes the page’s equilibrium
• Contrast —Using two dramatically different elements to draw the reader’s attention
• Unity — Makes the page look like a planned and cohesive unit.
• Movement — Leads the reader’s eye direction
Basic Principles
• Top to bottom
• Left to right
• Modular — everything in rectangles
• Avoid bumping heads
Principles
• Top to bottom
• Let to right
• Entry point
• Balance
• Contrast
• Everything in rectangles
• Avoid bumping heads
Modular page design
Putting the puzzle together
Text
Putting the puzzle together
Text
Photos
Putting the puzzle together
Text
Photos
Headlines
Putting the puzzle together
Text
Photos
Headlines
Infographics
Putting the puzzle together
Text
Photos
Headlines
Infographics
First step is to list and measure
Layout trends
• Usually one story, although news-based, is given feature play.
• Use shorter stories• Break stories into segments• Fewer jumps• More sells or showcases• More color• Creative use of white space• Variety of column widths
So how do you lay out open pages?
• Keep all story shapes rectangular
• Vary your shapes and sizes of stories and art.
• Emphasize what’s important.
Beware of bad juxtapositions
• Analyze every page design to determine: If a photo sits at the
intersection of two stories in a way that confuses readers
If two stories - or their headlines - seem inappropriate together on the same page
Give each page a dominant image
Balance and scatter art
Beware of butting headlines
Front page design
• Every paper’s news philosophy is visibly reflected on Page One: In the play of photos In the style of
headlines The variety of graphics The number of stories
What’s wrong with these story designs?
What’s wrong with these page designs?
