Desktop publishing follows four basic principles - contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. Contrast makes elements stand out and draws the reader's eye, while repetition strengthens unity by duplicating colors, shapes, fonts, and other visual elements. Alignment creates order by connecting all page items, and proximity groups related information together for clarity. These principles help organize content and create an easy to understand page structure.

1. Desktop PublishingCRAP

2. Four Basic PrinciplesContrastRepetitionAlignmentProximity

3. ContrastContrast is what makes a reader look at the page in the first place. It is the most important visual attraction on the pageAvoid elements on the page that are merely similarIf elements are not the same, them make them very different

4. Examples of Contrast

5. RepetitionRepeating visual elements of the design throughout the piece.Repeat colorRepeat shapes, texturesRepeat spatial relationshipsRepeat line thickness, fonts, sizes, graphic conceptsThis develops the organization and strengthens the unity.

6. Examples of Repetition

7. AlignmentNothing should be place on the page arbitrarilyEvery element should have some visual connection with another element on the pageThis creates a clean, sophisticated, fresh look

8. Picture of Alignment

9. ProximityItems relating to each other should be grouped close togetherWhen grouped together they become one visual unit rather than several unitsThis helps organize information, reduces, clutter and gives the reader a clear structure.