Layout concerns the placement of text and image elements within a design. How these elements are positioned, both in relation to one another and within the overall design scheme, will affect how the content is viewed and received by the readers, as well as their emotional reaction towards it. Layout can help or hinder the receipt of the information presented in a work. Similarly creative layouts can add value and embellishment to a piece, whereas understated layout can allow the content to shine through.

This book introduces the basic principles of layout as used in contemporary design. Many of these principles date back decades, and some are even centuries old, although arguably in less rigorous use since the advent of desktop publishing. These basic working structures offer a number of distinct benefits as an alternative to the ‘out-of-a-tin’ formula that modern computer programs offer. Through the considered application of these basics a more balanced and effective layout can be achieved.

In this volume commercial projects, produced by leading contemporary design studios, showcase the intricacies and beauty of designs based on considered application (or disregard) of basic layout principles – rather than the prescriptive defaults offered by the computer.