How to Make a Yearbook Layout

Create a yearbook to make memories last forever.

A yearbook captures memories to last a lifetime. Students and teachers can create an easy-to-read, compelling yearbook by carefully devising the layout. With the proper balance of photographs and text, the yearbook will bring the school year to life in print. Printing companies can often aid students in creating a yearbook layout with pre-designed templates and suggestions. Create a yearbook that has consistency, is aesthetically pleasing and contains a wide range of photographs, student information and touching features.

Instructions

1. Devise a central theme that relates to the school or students such as the school's mascot. A color scheme can bring the school colors into the yearbook. Create consistency with the same font in the yearbook, page number consistency and similar header and sub-headers throughout the piece.

2. Create a list of all of the elements to be included in the yearbook, including student pictures, faculty photographs, sports teams, school clubs, special school events and superlatives. Choose photographs that stand out and cover a wide range of students. Include interesting information about the students, the school and the time.

3. Plan the number of pages based on the amount of subject matter as well as the cost of creating and selling the yearbook. Correlate the number of pages with the list of topics to be covered, and choose the page numbers to which each will be assigned.

4. Lay out the individual pages, creating a main title or image on the top, middle or side of each page. For a more professional piece, use the "thirds" rule by breaking each page into thirds. This makes it easier for viewers to focus on the entirety of the page and is more pleasing to view.

5. Carefully formulate the size of each element, including the photographs and text, making certain that the wording is large enough to read. Photographs should stand out, and more important elements should be larger. Virtually design the layout on a computer or use paper and the actual photographs to physically build the layout.

6. Allow room for white space within the yearbook. If every inch of the yearbook is covered with photographs and text, it may be difficult to read and appear slipshod. Small amounts of blank areas allow pictures to stand out and create more aesthetically pleasing pages.

7. Look to pre-designed templates from the printing company or online if you need assistance. Many of them provide layouts and allow you to simply add your own photos and text. Even if you do not use a pre-designed template, they can give you ideas for your layout.

8. Edit the yearbook. Make certain that it is not too cluttered and that all important elements are included. Check for consistency, and correct any and all errors.

References

• Utah Valley University: Proportion – Golden Ratio and Rule of Thirds
• School Themes: Yearbook Layouts
• Expressively Yours: Yearbook Layout Tips