Margins

Margins are the most obvious white space on a page. They are the area from the edge of the page to the section containing graphics and print. Wider margins, such as is often used in poster printing designs, connote richness and elegance, while smaller margins are more practical and may be necessary depending on paper size and budget. Margins give the eye a place to rest even if the page has a lot of text or graphic elements in the center. Margins also provide a place for the reader to hold the page with thumb and fingers without obscuring print. 

Alley

The alley is the space in between columns of text, such as pages in a newsletter. The alley needs to be somewhat substantial to keep the reader’s eye from jumping across the alley and getting the text mixed up.  Alleys also serve as another place to put white space that allows the eye to rest.

Gutter

The gutter is the space in between pages in a magazine or book, or a brochure that folds inward. It needs to be wide enough that the fold doesn’t obscure any print or graphics. Make sure to take into account binding adjustments. Most binding requiresfolding the pages in half, which creates a problem called creep in which the outer pages are shorter than the inner pages. Use your design software’s creep adjustments or see if your printer can accomodate, since without these adjustments, your gutters would end up uneven.

Around Graphics

Surround graphics and pictures with white space to set them off. You especially want to use white space when you wrap text around an image so that the words don’t crowd the picture and vice versa.

Around Headlines

Set off headlines and subheadings with white space. This will help readers to organize the message in their minds. Putting space around the headings also helps draw attention to the most important text in your print materials, allowing for a more skimmable poster printing or brochure design.

Learning to include white space in your brochure, catalog, poster printing, or even website designs will help you create promotional materials that are much more effective. Plus, a simplistic design is a trend that stays in style, so your materials will look fashionable and attractive for years to come!