The Importance Of Boxes In Desktop Publishing Layout

In publishing and page layouts, the use of boxes holds special value.Boxes, whether shaded or outlined, place important information on display.Since they single out an element from the main course of the message, they are suited for self-contained material such as graphs, menu, images, and comments.

A box functions as a page within a page: it designates a separate topic or different viewpoint.For instance, you could use a box to confine a sidebar (a separate supporting article accompanying a longer story in a publication or website), pull quotes (short phrases summing up key ideas from an article), the table of contents on the cover of a magazine, illustrations, diagrams, etc.

Basic Guide on Using Boxes for Page Layouts

Keep box outlines light. You do not want the box to dominate the page.In order to take advantage of the thick rules for emphasis, you might want to put one at the top left edge of a page to help the reader see it immediately.By using a drop-shadow the boxed item the element is visually moved to the foreground, creating a three dimensional result.

Use a shaded box with no outline as a lighter option to an enclosed box.

Frame formal pages. A box rule surrounding the full page distances the page from the reader.This technique creates a formality to the text on the page.

Don't let box shadowing obscure the text. Inside box shading increases its detachment from the rest of the page or image.

Page breaks emphasize. A page element that breaks or cuts across a rule or the edge of a box gets active emphasis from the feeling of motion it generates.
 

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Article Written by Athena

Freelance writer since 2007 Content Provider Musician Educator Homeschooling WAHM


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