How to Learn the Elements of Desktop Publishing Design

The elements of design are essentially the arrangement of items on a page. Whether it's a brochure or a newspaper, some basic tenets of how to place objects remain the same. To learn the elements of desktop publishing design, you must remember that humans are visual creatures. You can direct their eyes and create a mood at the same time.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide on a dominant element. This should be your most compelling graphic or photo. The reader will see this first and, just like all first impressions, she will decide in that moment whether she's interested in seeing the whole package.

2. Balance other elements around the dominant image. Depending on what you're designing and the emotions you want to evoke, you need to decide how you will balance your other objects--symmetrically or asymmetrically.

3. Use contrast with some of the elements of desktop publishing. Choose colors that contrast with each other. Combine serif and sans serif fonts. Use one for headers and the other for the body text.

4. Choose the typography thoughtfully to create the mood of your publication. If you're creating a brochure about a company that offers something for children, Comic Sans might work. Always make certain your text is aligned across the page.

5. Repeat some of the elements. Lines, circles or boxes are good for this. Typography is also an element of design that creates repetition.

6. Direct the reader's eye with the elements of desktop publishing design. With professional programs, you can do this with lines, dots, other symbols, or you can stack shapes that are ever-increasing in size for a three-dimensional look. Whatever you choose, point the reader to where you want them to look.

7. Study publications and study the way their designers have used the elements of desktop publishing design.

Tips & Warnings

• White space can be used as an element of design, too.