Beautiful Reports
Brought to you by:
The Non-Designer’s Guide to Designing Business Documents
Why Beautiful Reports?As any chef will tell you, it’s all about presentation.
When creating a “composition,” whether it be a gourmet meal or a business document, providing the basics isn’t enough.
The output must look appetizing as well, or your customers are likely to pass on what you’re trying to serve them.
Here are seven ideas to help improve your documents.
Idea #1: TextConsider these options to improve the text in your reports:
• Use both Serif and Sans Serif fonts• Vary spacing between
words and lines• Try visual cues like
colored text and weights (e.g., bold)
Idea #2: Tables
Think about adding these table options to polish your reports:
• Vary cell, row, and column dimensions• Justify your data for
easier reading• Add color, borders and
a title for visual interest• Order your data for
relevance
Idea #3: Charts
Include charts when you’re describing trends:
• Choose the correct chart type for your data• Use effects sparingly• Keep charts small and
readable• Apply colors that
emphasize the data
Idea #4: LayoutThe right layout makes your document beautiful:
• Trust in the standard margin defaults• Use white space to
emphasize elements•Make the report skim-able• Create and apply a master
template
Idea #5: ImagesImages are a popular way to beautify your reports:
• Enhance with small, simple images (like the truck to the left) • Keep images real and
relevant• Carefully choose where
to store images • Size and position images
using relative positioning
Idea #6: ColorsUse colors wisely to make your reports shine:
• Don’t overwhelm with too many colors• Try to consider the
“meanings” associated with colors•Make sure combinations
of colors are readable• Use color with text and
layout for context
Idea #7: NavigationNavigation is the final, critical touch:
• Use sub-heads and section titles for easy scanning• Add a Table of Contents• Consider adding page
numbers• Put supporting data
into appendices
Looking for real examples? Want the details?
Beautiful reports are within your grasp.
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