White Space? What is it all about and why is white space so important in Website design? Optimus01 has all the answers:
What is White Space?
White space is empty or negative space. It is said to be the space between the elements in the composition of a page. It is the area on a web page that is not covered or occupied by text or images. There are two types of white space, firstly, macro white space, is found between the major elements such as margins, pictures, text and lists or site maps on the left hand side. Secondly, micro space is the space between the smaller elements like the space between listed items, captions and images as well as the space between letters in the text. White space is used to create a balanced and harmonious layout. Active white space is used to lead the client’s attention and eye from one element to another in a logical order. Active white space can be used to emphasis important information, it can also structure information. Passive white space is the white space in the leading or line height of the text. This type of white space creates breathing room, balance and it makes things less cramped, uncluttered and easier to read.
If a web page is too crammed packed, you can feel suffocated. This happens when the words and paragraphs on a page are not properly spaced out, in this case you are unable to get a proper comprehension and understanding of what is being said because the page is too busy and makes you feel uncomfortable. You are not able to understand because the words and paragraphs are not independent from other words on the page. Spaces between images, words, lines, paragraphs and other white space in margins, indents and line breaks are important and a must when designing a website.
Why is White Space so important?
- White space makes the content more legible/easier to read.
- White space used in adverts and website design gives off the feeling of sophistication, elegance, high quality and expensive.
- White space also makes text and a website more visually comfortable and pleasing to the eye.
- Helps draw the reader’s attention to what is important. If you want to draw attention to your company’s logo and the web page is too busy, the logo will be missed due to it competing with other elements.
- Provides a frame for photography, images and text.
- White space allows important features to stand out. Some examples include logos, headings and images. See Logo Design Guidelines.
- It guides the reader’s eyes from one element to another.
- White space provides balance and emphasis to a page.
- White space makes it easier for readers to process information.
- White space is less stressful and straining on the eyes. It also allows the eyes to move and flow more easily over the page, text and images.
- Using white space effectively will make your website more attractive and make all the important information pop out and become memorable.
- White space makes your website look cleaner and more accomplished.
Tips for Using White Space in your Website Design
- White space doesn’t have to be white, it can be the colours you have chosen to develop and design your site. It just needs to be empty space.
- If there is too much white space readers may think you have nothing to say. There needs to be an equal balance of white space.
- Minimalist is not the same as white space.
- White space needs to be consistent throughout the website design.
- White space is a necessary design element because it makes the page easier to read, use and nicer to look at.
Where to Use White Space
- Line Spacing is the white space between the lines of a paragraph, it makes it easier to read and scan.
- Margins need to be consistent throughout the design of the website. Margins are found on the top, sides and bottom of the web page.
- Headings
- Between images and captions
- Next to images and text
- Between boxes and text
- Between lists
- Between different words
- Paragraphs
- Indents
- Between banners, adverts and text
Even Websites Need Their Space
White space is a must if you want your website design to be successful. Using white space can make your website more attractive, easier to read and better for your readers. Using white space effectively on your website design, will keep your clients happy and interested in all you have to offer. To ensure that your website has the right balance of white space and leaves your potential clients coming back for more, enlist Optimus01 to design a website you can be confident in.