Page Layout

COMP3040 > Common Components

Introduction

Here you will find information on how the different elements on a page should be organized. This is known as page layout.

...by students A page should be visually appealing to the reader. Unlike creative writing, a technical writing document will rely more on headers, lists and graphics. Proper arrangement of graphics help with the understanding of the document without distracting the reader. Use Whitespace Similar to programming, the importance of whitespace cannot be ignored. Ever wonder why newspapers have articles in columns? Blocks of text are ugly; no one wants to read a big wall of text. Correct usage of whitespace makes the document look cleaner. This results in a more enjoyable read for the user. The different areas where whitespace can be used are: Margins: Margins are the white space between the edge of the paper and your text. The margin defines where a line of text begins and ends. It is natural to the human eye to have a margin around the text. Columns: Depending on your media type the information is presented on, it can be more appealing to the reader if you use columns to separate the text. Line space: Justification: Paragraphs: Indenting: Graphics: Headings space: Use section headings to split ideas up. Readers need to know what is coming up next. A good header has two main objectives. First, the header will tell the user the main point of the proceeding text. Secondly, the header should catch the reader's attention. Descriptive headings are essential. If you were reading a document and the heading title told you nothing about the preceding text, wouldn’t you wonder why the writer even used a header? A good heading shouldn’t be too long, but avoid using abstract nouns. Text headings split ideas into different sections. Each section should have its own heading. If you are writing and have only one header, you should ask yourself why? Each section that you are splitting up with you header should have its own header. The size and font used for the headers emphasizes the importance of the content below the header. The headings should be organized in a hierarchy with the largest font used at the top. Arranging Graphics and Figures Graphics should be added in a way that will not distract the user but to add to the understanding of the content. In the western world readers read from left to right, top to bottom. If you want to catch the attention of a reader place the graphic at the top left corner. Placement of a figure is significant to the understanding of the content. Try to arrange figures that are referenced close to the text that referenced it. As a student, I’m positive you can relate to the annoyance of flipping pages back and fourth while reading. Arranging Interesting Facts, or Definitions While reading one of the many text books required at the university, I’m sure there have been times when the definition of a word was unclear. Including a brief definition of the term can be very useful. The definition can be included in a side box. Arranging the definition like this will allow the reader to easily skip or read the definition as needed. This same idea applies to interesting facts that are not essential to the understanding of the content. Arranging these facts in this way provide options for the reader to decide if they want to read the information or not. Arranging quotes Adding quotes to your text is usually a very simple task; just place it directly into your paragraph. When using quotes that are longer then two lines, it is more appealing to have the quote in a separate paragraph. The paragraph should be indented to show that it is not a new idea, but a quote.