Basic Layout Principlesusing Adobe InDesign

By Sherwin B. ManualInformation 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

Limitations and Expectations

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

• 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.

Types of Layout

– 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.

InDesign