1. White space

It is very important to make sure that your pages do not look too crowded. You do this by leaving empty space on the page called white space.

• The space needs to be balanced by the page content however and there are some important rules to remember.
• Any space left on the bottom of a page is wasted as the reader simply ignores it. Space left on the right of a page is also wasted because the reader scans from left to right and simply stops when the white space starts.
• Space on the top of a page and on the left draws the reader into the content. This is valuable white space.

2. How we scan pages

When a reader looks at a page, they will scan the page from top left, across to the right, down to the bottom left and across to the bottom right. This scan tells us if there is anything interesting on the page. The first thing they will see are the pictures. Then they will read the headings or headlines, the captions and the quotes. Only then, if they are still interested, will the reader go back and begin to read the page.

3. Types of Font

There are three basic types of Font:

• Serif fonts, like Times New Roman, Bookman Old Style and Garamond all have Serifs or tails that link the letters together in lines. These fonts are always easier to scan read. Times New Roman is the most widely used font in newspapers and books because it is so easy to scan read.
• Sans Serif fonts like Arial, Futura and Comic Sans are all without serifs. The letters are left more separate. These fonts give individual words more impact and are often used in headlines and headings when you want something to stand out. They are usually used in bold type.
• Script and decorative fonts like Script MT are usually used very sparingly and for particular purposes, (like wedding invitations). They are often difficult to read.

4. Font sizes and line lengths

The most commonly used Font Size for readability of text is 12. Headings and headlines are usually size 14, 16, 18. It wise to stick to these standard font sizes in a document

Line length for test is also very important. Easy scanning needs short line lengths. As a rule try to ensure that your lines are shorter than 15cm. You can do this by:

• Setting your margins wider (to 3cm each side)Using graphics on the right of the page to break up the line lengths
• Splitting the text into two or more columns.

5. Document Style

Giving every page on your resource the same "look" or style is also very important. Make sure you use the same Fonts for headings and body text. Also make sure that your margins are the same on each page. Make sure that your numbering is consistent and helps learners to see the flow through the pages.

Try also to make different things on your page line up. Make the outside of a picture line up with the end of the text paragraph for example. Line up the caption for a picture with the left hand corner of the picture, etc.