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| Layout is the process of arranging the text on the page. Text can be laid out in different ways. The arrangement, which makes the text readable and creates formal qualities, can be achieved by spacing, by emphasising certain groups of letters or words, or by suppressing the effect of others. Different options are available, and should be chosen according to the context and aesthetic requirements of the text, never because of formalistic considerations alone. Avoid monotony, but be aware that frequent repetition of the same accents can be equally boring. "The means have to justify the end," Bertolt Brecht said. Be decisive about the use of your elements; half-hearted decisions dilute the effect of the whole. A common procedure to create emphasis is to use letters of different sizes or weights. Single lines can be executed in full-size capitals or in small capitals. In longer texts it is better to emphasise sections by using italic, but, to say it again, lowercase letters should not be spaced extra-wide under most circumstances. Decorative initial capitals, often several times the height of other capitals, are a favourite way of calling attention to the beginning of a chapter or paragraph. Another is to stress headings. In both cases it is important to find the right relationship in weight and size. Letter initials in different sizes, colours, styles, and characters, cut them out, and see which one best serves the purpose. It is also important to maintain a connection between the initial and the rest of the word of which it is a part. If the initial is to be free-standing, provide a connection to the first line of the text; if it to be incorporated in the middle of the text, connect it in some way to the line that it logically belongs to. If the initial is inscribed in a rectangle, align the horizontal stroke at the bottom with the baseline of the text. The flourishes of ornamental initials may extend into the left margin. Headings are usually conspicuous enough if they are separated from the body of the text by one or more line spaces. If extra emphasis is desired, use the italic that corresponds to the text lettering or any of the other means that have been described earlier. Many variations in the grey values of a text can be achieved by adjusting sizes or weights of the letters and by the spaces between letters, words, and lines. The introduction of colour adds another important element. Coloured letters form a contrast to black ones and to the grey that results from the mass of the black letter. If hues are used sparingly, they create a jewel-like effect, but a colour element can disappear in an overwhelming text block if it is not strong enough. Too many small elements of colour spread over the text create a scattered effect the eye is unable to distinguish among the weak contrast pairs and registers an evenly mixed colour. It is not advisable to use more than one additional colour. Frequent choices are vermilion with the addition of some carmine red, a greenish blue, or gold, mixed from yellow with a touch of red and blue. Other options are a dark red or grey with some yellow or green. The addition of a little white to these colours will prevent the formation of spots when they dry, and it will keep them in the desired shade of lightness. The mixing should not result in dirty-looking or chalky colours. |
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