How to do it

Tips and tricks to master the technique

Getting it right

Ten pointers for successful implementation of white space in your layouts

1. The Grid

White space and grid systems go hand-in-hand. For inspiration check out Massimo Vignelli and Josef Mülller-Brockmann, two of the world’s most influential graphic designers who swore by their grid systems.

2. Create contrast

The play between negative and positive space creates contrast and enhances visual appeal.

3. Restraint

More often than not we are inclined to fill empty space in a layout. Be brave, resist this urge and reserve a portion of the layout to be free of any visual information. When done correctly, the results are stunning.

4. Balance

Find the balance between sparse and crowded - practice makes perfect!

5. Start small

Identify the minimum copy needed for the page and build the layout up from there.

6. Spread it out

Spread the content over more pages instead of cramming it into as few pages as possible.

7. Visual storytelling

A picture tells a thousand words. Pair striking visual elements with the copy to compliment the content and enhance reader engagement.

8. Focal point

Leave a healthy amount of white space around elements that you wish to draw attention to, like a CTA or product offer.

9. Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds principle works wonders in photography, but many forget it works wonders in design. Experiment by keeping 1 column blank.

10. Push boundaries

Layouts that at first seem 'uneasy' often turn out to be the most effective of them all.

White space is to be regarded as an active element, not a passive background

Jan Tschichold