There are no hard and fast rules on how many images on a page is too many. But unless you're dealing with a product catalog or a yearbook, chances are that if there are more than three or four images the page is too graphics-heavy.
"Right and wrong do not exist in graphic design. There is only effective and non-effective communication."
— Peter Bilak - IllegibilityReduce & Resize
Instead of many small images, consider using just one or two large images. Image overload generally comes from using too many bits of scattered clip art, decorative bullets, boxes or borders, and rules (lines) all on the same page. Strip most of that out. It's unnecessary. Choose one or two key images that complement the text and use them to focus attention or provide visual interest.
Unify
Instead of many completely different images scattered all over, unify them. Make them all the same size. Use the same border. Line them up vertically or horizontally. Use a single style of dingbat for bullets throughout the page, throughout the publication. When it is necessary to use many images, provide consistency and order by tying them together visually.
Prioritize
Instead of a barrage of images competing for attention, prioritize them. Give a single image prominence through size and placement. Unify the remaining images elsewhere on the page using the techniques previously described.
Pick a Central Idea
Many times the creator of a piece will feel the necessity to use a piece of clip art to illustrate or point out every idea or concept on the page.
For example, a party announcement might have a phone icon by the phone number, a house or envelope next to the address, a clock beside the time, and several pieces of clip art for cakes, streamers, party hats, presents, or whatever and a confetti border around the whole page. While the idea may be to emphasize each of those key pieces of information, it's overkill.
Instead, use font size, placement, alignment, or color to group, set apart, or emphasize the secondary information and cut that clip art. Pick one or two images to signify the party theme and use them.
The Bottom Line: Make sure each image used in a piece serves a necessary purpose and is appropriate to the tone and style of the piece. When the image count rises above three on a single page, consider other ways to achieve the same effect without adding more visual stimulation.
The Desktop Document > Design Phase > Image Selection
The Desktop Document > Images Phase > Image Placement
| Pick Your Path to Desktop Publishing | |
| Get Started: | Basic Guidelines and Requirements for Desktop Publishing |
| Choose Software: | Desktop Publishing and Design Software |
| Tips & Tutorials: | How to Do Desktop Publishing |
| Training, Education, Jobs: | Careers in Desktop Publishing |
| In the Classroom: | Back to School With Desktop Publishing |
| Make Something: | Things to Make for the Holidays |
| Use Templates: | Templates for Print and Web Publishing |
