This document provides layout guidelines for print and online newspapers to avoid clutter and ensure readability. It recommends including at least 2-3 stories per page, directing the reader's eye through the use of white space and consistent margins, and separating any elements that could be confusing if placed side by side, such as headlines. For online papers, it also suggests using tabs or navigation tools to organize content and maintain a consistent overall look.

1. Layout Commandments to Avoid
Problems
Print papers
• Avoid clutter and busyness
• Include at least 2-3 stories
per page
• Direct the reader’s eye
• Make it clear what elements
belong together
• Separate elements that may
be confusing if side by side
(like tombstone headlines)
• Use consistent margins
• Try the “Z” formation: try
for vertical and horizontal
movement on the page
• Headlines should draw
readers into stories
• Use white space as a design
element
Online papers
• Avoid clutter and busyness
• Include at least 2-3 stories
per page
• Direct the reader’s eye
• Make it clear what elements
belong together
• Separate elements that may
be confusing if side by side
(like tombstone headlines)
• Use tabs or navigation tools
to keep the content
organized and accessible for
your reader
• Keep the overall look
consistent so a reader easily
knows where to go
• If you use links to jump the