Something that is singled out or made more prominent has emphasis. An element of a design that dominates or becomes the center of interest has emphasis.Within the visual components of a page design, emphasis is applied to individual parts such as a word or phrase by changing its appearance, making it stand out. Sometimes considered a principle of design on its own, emphasis can be created using all of the various elements and principles of design.
Emphasis and the Elements of Design
Create a focal point by making one element of the design more prominent or eye-catching than the others.
- Line
In a design composed of horizontal lines, the vertical line becomes the focal point. - Shape
A square stands out from a group of circles or organic shapes. - Mass
The physically or visually heavier element or piece commands more attention. - Texture
Embossing adds tactile interest and emphasis. - Color
A splash of color or a strong change in value in an otherwise gray piece will draw the eye.
Emphasis and the Principles of Design
Use the arrangement of the page components to create a focal point or visual hierarchy of dominant and subordinant elements.
- Balance
A perfectly symmetrical piece may have no focal point because each element is equally emphasized. Radial balance generally draws the eye first to the central point in the design. - Proximity
A part of the design that is isolated from other parts can become a focal point. - Alignment
The eye is naturally drawn to a point in or near the center of a page, giving elements in that area perceived importance. - Repetition
Repeating an image or a word can establish its importance. - Contrast
Set words or phrases in a contrasting bold type or italics to give them emphasis. - White space
Use white space to isolate elements and give them emphasis.
Whether or not classified as a principle of design, emphasis is an important concept that touches on all aspects of graphic design and page composition.
| Get Started: | Basic Guidelines and Requirements for Desktop Publishing |
| Choose Software: | Desktop Publishing and Design Software |
| Make Something: | Things to Make Using Desktop Publishing |
| Tips & Tutorials: | How to Do Desktop Publishing |
| Training, Education, Jobs: | Careers in Desktop Publishing |
| In the Classroom: | Back to School With Desktop Publishing |
| Use Templates: | Templates for Print and Web Publishing |
