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Deck

From Jacci Bear's Desktop Publishing Glossary, for About.com

Definition: Often seen in newsletters and magazines, the deck is one or more lines of text found between the headline and the body of the article. The deck elaborates or expands on the headline and topic of the accompanying text. Decks are set in a typeface that is sized somewhere between the headline and body text to provide contrast.

One key aspect of print design is providing visual signposts or visual cues that let readers know where they are and where they are going. Signposting breaks up text and images into readable, easy-to-follow blocks or panels of information. A deck is a form of visual signpost that helps a reader assess an article before committing to reading the whole thing.

Also Known As: blurb
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