Basic layout principles

Basic Layout Principles
using Adobe InDesign

By Sherwin B. Manual
Information and Advocacy Specialist
Mindanao Rural Development Program

Objectives

• Objective: At the end of this exercise, trainees
would be able to:

– Identify the types of layout techniques;
– Apply the principles of layouting as discussed;
– Use the basic tools of InDesign in desktop publishing ;
– Layout a two-page newsletter.

Outline
• Definition
• Types of Layout
• Principles and Guidelines
• Introduction of the software
• Basic tools and application
• Layout Exercise

What is layout?

Layout is the process of planning and
arranging in detail something such as
a page or book to be reproduced.

Types of Layout
– Balanced make up

• composition or placement of elements of design, as
figures, forms, or colors, in such a manner as to
produce an aesthetically pleasing or harmoniously
integrated whole.

• Two main types: Symmetrical and Asymmetrical

Types of Layout
• Symmetrical Balance (formal) balance has elements
of equal weight on either side of an imaginary
horizontal or vertical line. It is often considered a
safe solution, but boring layout to use.

• Asymmetrical (or informal) balance may be
unequal in position and intensity. To create
asymmetrical balance, there must be an increase
in intensity to compensate for the change in
position. Intensity can be increased by changing
size, shape, or tone.

– Balanced make up

• Symmetrical

Balanced make up: Asymmetrical
• Contrast and Balance

Type of Layout
– Right Brace

– Left Brace

Principles
• Alignment of elements in the design is
important, whether it be text or images.

• Text/type: Legible. Use simple font face.
left-justified, right justified or centered

Principles

• Images: Big enough. High resolution. Applies
photo rules.

• Captioning: Caption all photos possible. Add
credits. First note on the “VIP”, locate. As
possible in action.

CASHING IN ON CASSAVA. Marciano Balmes shows off the
quality of tubers of his four-month old cassava due for harvest
in the next few months.

Principles
• Proximity the property of being close
together a Gestalt principle of organization
holding that (other things being equal) objects
or events that are near to one another (in
space or time) are perceived as belonging
together as a unit.

Principles
• Repetition (Consistency)
– Repeat action, performance, production, or
presentation creates identity.

– For web design, often a layout element or the
navigation is repeated for each page, so the user
know they are within the same site.

Principles
• Contrast creates interest by providing variety
in the design.
– Size
– Weight
– Position
– Shape
– Color

Principles

• Harmony – not competing, no clutter, there
should be one dominant point of interest.

Principles
Emphasis – usually the focal point in a page. It
could be done by varying the size, the color,
shapes or background.

Emphasis is the quality that draws your attention
to a certain part of a design or layout.

Movement – flow of
the text and picture
should be in the
proper orientation of
the eyes.

Some Guidelines
• Avoid tombstoning.

• Know the relative value of each part of the
front page. The order follows an “S” format.

• Build from top down

Some Guidelines
• Distribute stories. Put front page the most
important news.

• Have plenty breathing space.

• Use photos.

• Be simple.

Principles
Eliminate
unnecessary
details and use
simple
background.

“In manner, fashion and style, simplicity defines elegance.”

The Software
• Adobe InDesign
– Is a powerful design and production tool that
offers precision, control and seamless integration
with other Adobe professional graphics software.

Basic layout principles

In this document