Simply put, layout is the arrangement of text, graphics, and photos on a page. A well-designed yearbook layout not only showcases photos but also tells a story, capturing the essence of the school year.

The layout ensures that the content is presented in an organized, structured, and aesthetically pleasing manner, making it easy for readers to navigate through the book.

Where to Start?

There are a variety of ways to pull the reader into and through the yearbook. These elements are placed in visually appealing arrangements that attract the eye and keep the brain interested.

Some of the core elements that make up a spread are:

Dominant Photo

The dominant photo on a spread is the most important visual piece. This is what grabs attention and draws the reader into the story. Not every image has what it takes to be a dominant photo, it is important to choose the right photo for the story and the layout.

Eye Line

If the dominant photograph is horizontal, the top or bottom of it, whichever does not extend to the edge of the page, determines the eye line. All other items should set on or hang off the eye line. Think of the eye line like a clothesline with clothes blowing up or hanging down off it. The eye line should not be in the center of the spread but should be about one third from the top or bottom.

Headline

The headline is the second hook used to capture the reader’s interest. A good headline conveys the essence of the spread in as few words as possible. It should pique the reader’s interest while not stating the obvious. It is in large type, usually the largest on the page, that pulls the reader into the page.

Secondary Headline

Providing more information and context than the headline, the secondary headline is normally a bit longer; constructed similarly to a sentence. They are usually one-third to one-half the type size of the headline and are often in a contrasting font.

Body Copy

Telling the main story of the spread, it provides the people, place, and details. To increase readability, often the copy is placed in columns of text, like a newspaper.

Captions

Although photographs provide with a visual window into the event in question, captions should strive to not only identify individuals, but provide the reader with additional information not present in the photograph. Readers should be able to gain additional information about the event in addition to the obvious information that can be deduced from the photograph.

Folio Tabs

The page information (title, section, page numbers, etc.) should be found on each page of the yearbook. This section of the page is called a folio or a folio tab and is typically located at the bottom of the spread in a horizontal line crossing both pages. Folio tabs not only provide quick information, but they can also assist in pulling your theme through each page of your book. This can be done through colour, graphics, fonts, and text.