| ‘White
space’ is the absence of text or graphics (which,
of course, isn’t white if used on coloured paper).
Its purpose is to provide a sense of de-cluttering, a visual
breathing space, a density break and a reduction in that
cramped feeling to prevent overwhelming, as well as to help
towards legibility.
Positioning
It can create the mood for presentation, such as elegance,
expensive, prestigious, upgrade, which sets it apart from
cramming everything into every available space. Careful
use considers the awareness of text and graphic positioning,
understanding how the eye works on the page, appreciating
navigational flow and adapting to the target audience. Alternatively,
too much white space isn't aceptable if the reader has to
‘hunt’ for the information or lose their way.
Subtle
use
But most of the time white space is used subtly without
the reader knowing. Only bad presentations will receive
comment, as that is when the eye notices something is wrong.
There are a number of small areas where white space is vital
for readability, such as the space between the lines of
type, the width of margins or how the text wraps itself
around pictures.
Text
and type
White space needs to work with typefaces to create legibility,
whether they are heavy and large or light and airy. For
example,
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newsy-typefaces
suggest a rapid intake of information, and white space guides
the eye through the sentences; too close together becomes
cluttered and may create difficulties in naturally finding
the next line, whereas too much spacing causes confusion
in the flow down the page and the location of paragraphs.
Squint
test
A tip is to hold the page in front of you and screw up your
eyes. This will show what merges together as a grey (or
coloured) haze. If there is too much, then everything is
too close together.
Readability
White space outside the text also affects readability, as
regards the width of margins and column gutters (space between
columns). More space at the sides allows the eye to focus
inwards; a ragged left alignment aids the flow of reading,
especially in narrow columns; and each page will certainly
benefit from ample space at both the top and bottom.
Other
areas include sufficient space positioned around and above
headlines to differentiate them from the remainder of the
article; graphics and pictures require a suitable ‘stand-off’
space around them, with careful use of text wrapping; and
backgrounds should be used sparingly, as eliminating white
space will only contribute to clutter and illegibility.
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