Get to know about

Layout Designing
Mark Reven A. Mirador
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Layout Designing

03 04
Layouting Elements of Layout
Applications Designing
05 06
Principles of Layout Tips on Layout
Designing Designing
01
Introduction
Introduction

Layout designing is often used on publication to

have an aid to the readers about a certain content. It
can be used to protect the ownership of a certain
picture to avoid stealing pictures from the owner. It
can also used for invitations, infographics,
announcements, etc. The only limitation is the artist’s
creativity and imagination.
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Layout Designing

03 04
Layouting Elements of Layout
Applications Designing
05 06
Principles of Layout Tips
Designing
02
Layout
Designing
Layout Designing
● Layout design is the process of arranging
visual and textual elements on-screen or on-
paper to grab a reader’s attention and
communicate information in a visually
appealing way.
● Layout design is the art of arranging visual
elements on a page or screen in an
aesthetically pleasing and effective manner to
convey a message or tell a story. It
encompasses the organization of text, images,
shapes, lines, and white space to create a
cohesive and visually appealing composition.
 Layout Designing
● Layout design is the process of arranging visual
elements—like text, images, and shapes—on a given
page. Layout design is important for any project that
conveys a message through eye-catching visuals, like
magazine layouts, website design, and advertisements.
● Good layout design is both dynamic and clear, creating
visual points of interest that guide the reader through a
piece of content without overshadowing its message.
Many layout designers adhere to a set of principles
(like alignment, visual hierarchy, and space) when
designing a unique and effective layout. Designers may
also use a grid to arrange their layout design elements
in a clear, legible fashion.
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Layout Designing

03 04
Layouting Elements of Layout
Applications Designing
05 06
Principles of Layout Tips on Layout
Designing Designing
03
Layouting
Applications
Layouting Applications
Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing and page
layout designing software application produced by
Adobe and Alok Rawat in 1999. It can be used to
create works such as posters, flyers, brochures,
magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and e-
books.

Canva
Canva is a popular online graphic design tool that offers a wide range of
features for creating visual content. It is a user-friendly platform that allows
individuals and businesses to design various materials such as social media
posts, presentations, posters, logos, and more.
Layouting Applications
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and
published by Adobe for Windows and MacOS. It was
originally created in 1987 by Thomas and John Knoll.
Since then, the software has become the most used tool for
professional digital art, especially in raster graphics
editing.

Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Publisher is a desktop publishing application from Microsoft,
differing from Microsoft Word in that the emphasis is placed on page layout
and graphic design rather that text composition and proofreading.
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Layout Designing

03 04
Layouting Elements of Layout
Applications Designing
05 06
Principles of Layout Tips on Layout
Designing Designing
04
Elements of
Layout Designing
 Elements of Layout Designing
1. Text- Blocks of text in layout design include headlines, subheadings, headers, footers, and paragraphs.
In web design, text will also include menus and buttons. Whatever style of typography you choose can
communicate a different mood, and you can pair different types of text to achieve different effects.
Text elements include:
• Fonts: Certain fonts can evoke different emotions and set the tone for your layout design. For
example, a serif font such as Times New Roman can convey a sense of tradition and formality, while
a sans-serif font such as Helvetica might suggest modernity and simplicity.
• Typography: Typography encompasses various aspects like kerning (adjusting the spacing between
characters), tracking (adjusting the spacing between groups of characters) and leading (adjusting the
spacing between lines of text). Proper typography ensures legibility and readability.
• Size: Text size determines hierarchy and emphasis. Larger text often signifies headings or important
information, while smaller text is typically used for body content.
• Line and letter spacing: Proper line spacing (traditionally referred to as leading) and letter spacing
are essential for readability. Well-spaced lines and characters make text easier to read and more
aesthetically pleasing.
 Elements of Layout Designing
2. Image- Images in your graphic design can include photographs, illustrations, and
infographics that become a part of your layout. Large images can grab the attention
of your audience and communicate messages without text.
Images contribute to layout design through:
• Visual impact: Images have the power to capture attention and engage the
viewer. Whether it’s a photograph, illustration or graphic, the choice of visuals
should align with the design’s purpose and message.
• Size and placement: The size and positioning of images in a layout impact the
overall visual balance of the page. Larger images may be used as focal points,
while smaller ones can complement text or other design elements.
• Consistency: Consistency in image style, such as using a similar filter or color
treatment, can tie a layout together and reinforce the layout’s overarching theme.
 Elements of Layout Designing
3. Line- Line refers to the way that two points in space are connected. Whether they’re
horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or vertical lines, lines can help direct the eye toward a
certain point in your composition. They can also draw boundaries between sections or
visual elements of your layout.
Line is the first and most basic element of design. A line is a form having length & width,
without depth.
Lines are endlessly versatile design elements that can serve various purposes in a layout:
• Guidance: Lines can be used to guide the viewer’s eye through the design. They can
direct attention to focal points, or separate content into logical sections.
• Division: Lines can act as dividers, helping to distinguish different parts of a layout
such as columns of text or groups image.
• Flow control: Curved and diagonal lines can suggest movement and dynamism,
influencing the flow of information and even conveying a particular mood.
 Elements of Layout Designing
4. Shape- In its most basic form, a shape is a two-dimensional area that is surrounded by an
outline. There are three types of shapes: organic shapes which occur naturally in the
world, geometric shapes which are angular and mathematically consistent, and abstract
shapes that represent things in nature but aren’t perfectly representative. Circles, squares, or
any other shape can be used in layout design to add graphic elements to a page, highlight text,
or delineate space between other visual elements.
Shapes serve to create structure and emphasis within a layout. They can be both functional and
decorative. Specifically, they add:
• Structure: Geometric shapes can be used to create a grid or framework for the layout, thus
organizing content in a visually pleasing (but still functional) manner.
• Emphasis: Irregular or custom shapes can draw attention to specific elements or areas of
the design. They can also be used to highlight key information or create visual interest.
• Unity and cohesion: Repeating shapes or patterns can create a sense of unity and cohesion
in a design. This helps tie different elements together and give the layout a more
harmonious feel.
 Elements of Layout Designing
5. White space- The blank space between elements in layout design can be as
important as the visual elements themselves. The spacing around an element can
draw attention to it and make it stand out.
White space, often referred to as negative space, is the area around and between
design elements. It plays a crucial role in layout design:
• Visual breathing room: White space provides room for the eyes to rest and
prevents the layout from feeling cluttered or claustrophobic.
• Clarity: Adequate white space ensures that elements are not overcrowded,
making the content more comprehensible. It can also help to separate different
pieces of information, reducing confusion for the reader.
• Highlighting key content: White space can be strategically used to draw
attention to key content like headings or calls-to-action (CTAs).
 Elements of Layout Designing
6. Color- Color is one of the most important elements of design because they
can evoke certain emotions. It’s well-known that red is usually associated with
love, passion, or anger.
There are also cultural differences that you need to consider when using colors
in design. For example, a color that’s happy in a particular country can send
negative emotions in another one.
Color has three different properties:
● Hue refers to the origin of the colors we can see.
● Saturation is the intensity and purity of a color as displayed in an image.
● Value describes overall intensity to how light or dark a color is.
 Elements of Layout Designing
7. Symmetry-
According to science symmetry is one of those things that us, humans, fi
nd extremely pleasing
, and this happens because we love familiarity and when we see something
that has symmetry in it, it’s easy for us to recognize it. It’s also one of the
shortcuts we use to make sense of the world around us.
● There are plenty of brands, such as Starbucks, Target, or Chanel, that use
symmetry in their logos, and not only in their designs.
● However, note that there’s a fine line between symmetry and making it
seem like the other side of the design was copied and pasted from the
other one. It’s recommended not to strive for perfect symmetry but to add
elements that suggest this idea.
 Elements of Layout Designing
8. Scale- Scale refers to the size of an element in relation to another one,
and it can help bring balance, proportion, and hierarchy in any design.
● Usually, scale is used in design to represent the accurate size of an
object or to emphasize the difference in size between two objects.
However, if you want to create something that you will make an
impact on your audience, then it’s best if you forget about scaling
objects according to reality.
● For example, you can make an elephant dramatically smaller than a
cat and make the cat the size of a dinosaur.
● If you want to draw attention to a particular object, then this is the
way to go.
 Elements of Layout Designing
9. Texture- Texture refers to the surface quality of a design, which
can be smooth, rough, glossy, etc. It can be physical or visual. To
this matter, we’ll talk about visual texture.
● Clean designs are nice and all but adding a little bit of texture
can make it pop even more. You can use it to accentuate a
specific part of your visual, so you draw people’s attention to the
dominant part.
● The use of a font or a background image that mimics a particular
texture is going to help you create a memorable design.
 Elements of Layout Designing
10. Direction- Direction not only gives the illusion that
there’s movement in your design, but it also lets people
know where to look and how to move their eyes across
the visual.
● Generally, the human eye starts with the top left of a
page and then gravitates towards the bottom right
corner so you can take advantage of this pattern
whenever you’re designing.
 Elements of Layout Designing
11. Form- In the context of design, the term “form” refers to more than just an object’s outline or shape. It
encompasses all three dimensions—height, width, and depth—to create a tangible and substantial
presence. This adds depth and meaning to visual compositions, turning them into fully realized entities
that occupy physical space. Form breathes life into static elements, transforming them from flat
representations into dynamic entities that demand attention and elicit emotional responses.
● Form plays a vital role in making shapes look more substantial and grounded, giving them a sense of
weight and presence. This helps objects feel more natural and tangible as if they are within reach.
Tactile realism not only enhances the visual appeal of designs but also creates a stronger emotional
connection between the viewer and the subject being portrayed. Whether art, architecture, or product
design, the mastering form allows designers to create experiences that appeal to our senses and
aesthetic sensibilities.
● Designers can manipulate perception by altering their designs’ form. They play with light, shadow,
and perspective to create illusions of depth and dimensionality. This artistic technique adds layers of
visual complexity to compositions, making them more attractive. By strategically arranging forms,
designers can guide the viewer’s gaze, evoke emotions, and shape narratives. In essence, form is the
cornerstone of spatial expression, allowing designers to move beyond the 2D canvas and unlock the
limitless possibilities of the third dimension.
 Elements of Layout Designing
12. Size- Size is an essential aspect of design that refers to objects’ physical dimensions and proportions. It
determines how prominent and impactful they appear within a composition. Designers can use size to establish
visual hierarchy, emphasize certain elements, and create balance. Objects of different sizes draw varying levels
of attention, guiding the viewer’s focus and shaping their perception of the composition’s focal points and
overall structure.
● Varying the size of elements in a composition creates a dynamic interplay of scale that draws the viewer’s
attention to significant focal points while imbuing lesser elements with subtler roles. More prominent
elements assert dominance and prominence, serving as anchors around which the composition revolves.
More minor elements assume supporting roles, providing context and nuance. This deliberate juxtaposition
of sizes cultivates a sense of balance and harmony, ensuring that no aspect overwhelms or diminishes the
overall impact of the design.
● In addition, designers can use size manipulation to strategically create visual stories and guide the viewer
through a curated journey of discovery and engagement. By placing elements of different sizes side by side,
designers can develop a sense of rhythm and movement in the composition, inviting viewers to explore the
visual landscape with curiosity and intrigue. Ultimately, size acts as a conductor, orchestrating the different
visual elements of a composition to evoke emotions, convey messages, and elicit responses from the
audience. Size plays a crucial role in distributing visual weight within a composition, influencing the
viewer’s perception and interpretation of the design.
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Layout Designing

03 04
Layouting Elements of Layout
Applications Designing
05 06
Principles of Layout Tips on Layout
Designing Designing
05
Principles of Layout
Designing
 Principles of Layout Designing
1. Alignment- Alignment refers to the way that a designer arranges the different elements of
their design in relation to one another. You can repeat design elements in your image to
establish consistency in your image, making it easier on the reader’s eye. For text, designers
will typically choose between edged alignment—which aligns text along the left or right
margins—or centered alignment—which aligns text along the centerline of your design.
● Alignment ensures that design elements are arranged in a consistent and orderly manner. It
creates a sense of structure and helps make the design more visually appealing.
2. Visual hierarchy- Good layout design visually organizes a hierarchy of information that
places the highest emphasis on the most important focal point in the image. Hierarchy can
sequentially guide your user through the intended journey of your image. You can use size,
color, contrast, or position to highlight the hierarchy of important elements within your layout.
● Hierarchy establishes the order of importance within a design. It guides the viewer’s
attention to the most important content first and helps convey the intended message
effectively.
 Principles of Layout Designing
3. Contrast- Contrast is used in tandem with alignment and balance to help your design look
unique and eye-catching. Pairing contrasting design elements like colors or different types of
typography helps fuse different styles and moods to make an original, distinctive product.
● Contrast involves using differences in color, size, shape, or style to make specific elements
stand out. It adds visual interest and can be used to highlight important information.
4. Balance- Visual balance refers to how the elements of your image balance each other out. In
layout design, look for ways to balance the visual information on your page, whether through
symmetry or balanced asymmetrical arrangements.
● Balance is the distribution of visual weight within a layout. Achieving balance ensures that no
single element dominates the design, promoting harmony and equilibrium.
5. Proximity: Proximity refers to how close or far the elements of a layout are from one another.
Proximity can help users make connections between different visual elements of a project.
● Proximity emphasizes the relationships between elements by placing related items close to
each other. This creates a sense of cohesion and helps the viewer make connections between
different types or sections of content.
 Principles of Layout Designing
6. Repetition: Repetition involves the consistent use of design elements throughout a layout, which helps to
create unity and reinforce the overall theme.
● Repetition is boring and monotonous only when there’s no variation. When some degree of variation is
added to a design where certain elements are being repeated, it changes everything.
7. Emphasis- Emphasis is all about highlighting the most important area in your design. For example, if you
want to accentuate the headline in your visual, then make sure to use a font size that will stand out and will
draw people’s attention. Similarly, you can utilize a bold color to make the text pop.
● If you want to make a particular element more prominent, you can use scale to make it bigger or smaller
than it is in real life.
● Let’s say that you want to use a bunny in your design. You can make it look humongous, or you can make
its eyes look bigger and bolder.
8. Rhythm- The same way spaces between musical notes create rhythm, spaces between design elements can
give rhythm as well to a visual.
● Visual rhythms can be regular, flowing, progressive, random, and alternating.
● Regular rhythm is when the spacing between elements is the same. The flowing rhythm gives a sense of
movement through curves and bends. Progressive rhythm is all about changing and iterating with each step.
The random rhythm doesn’t have any clear pattern. Alternating rhythm uses
a set of graphic design patterns.
 Principles of Layout Designing
8. Unity- Unity is all about how the different elements of your design come together and
form a relationship. You’ve most likely seen before designs that give you the impression
that the fonts and everything else were chosen at random, so there wasn’t any sense of
unity.
● All the visual elements you use in your design should be connected to one another.
Also, unity is going to help you communicate your message in a clear, organized, and
concise manner.
9. Movement- You’ve probably heard before someone explaining a piece of art as having
a lot of movement. Even though a visual is static, it can still give the feeling as if the
design is moving.
● For movement, you can use shapes, lines, edges, or color, the purpose being to direct
the human eye.
● When designing something, you can take advantage of certain elements to control how
the human eye travels over a design.
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Layout Designing

03 04
Layouting Elements of Layout
Applications Designing
05 06
Principles of Layout Tips on Layout
Designing Designing
06
Tips on Layout
Designing
Tips on Layout Designing

2. Match your 3. Turn to

1. Create a mood
design to your templates to
board
content guide yourself
Make an inspiration collage or Consider the content and the If you're new to website layout,
mood board before getting audience you want to reach starting from online templates
started on your own design. with your design. If you're is a great way to learn how to
Look for page layouts, color designing for a magazine create balanced and dynamic
palettes, typographies, and feature, read the article and see page designs. You can also plan
ideas on how information can if any design concepts jump out out a grid to guide yourself.
be arranged. You can always at you. If you're designing a
return to your mood board to landing page for a brand,
remind yourself of the effect consider the brand identity and
you want to achieve. think of a design concept to
match.
Tips on Layout Designing
4. Create visual 5. Play around with 6. Embrace white
contrast typography space
Look for ways to create visual Look for typefaces that speak to Thoughtfully applied negative
contrast in your image that can the brand identity of your page space can create more visual
immediately catch your audience’s while still creating visual interest. interest than a busy layout. If your
attention before they've read You can pair multiple fonts in the mockups are becoming crowded,
anything. You can create contrast same font family together to keep try the minimalist approach and
with color, typography, shape, and a sense of cohesion between incorporate more white space.
balance. disparate elements.

7. Experiment with the rules 8. Check before publish

The design process will look different for everyone. Have a senior like EIC check the finished
Design principles and gridding can help guide you,
but experimenting can produce exciting and fresh layout design before posting or
images. Allow yourself to play with and break the publishing the content.
rules with your design.
Conclusion
Layout designing can be challenging sometimes
because it takes time to create when the contents are
more than two. In creating a good design, the layout
artist must consider the 11 elements, 8 principles,
and 8 tips on creating a good layout design to
achieve good results. After creating a layout design,
 "It's not just what it
looks like and feels like.
Design is how it works."
-Steve Jobs
Thank You for
Listening!