Tools for Visual Design
READ ABOUT IT
Page design involves arranging text, images, and other elements on a page to create a visually appealing layout.
The layout for posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and numerous other resources can be designed using tools like Adobe InDesign. Effective page design enhances the overall presentation of documents and publications.
Adobe InDesign is a powerful layout and page design software used for creating high-quality documents, including PDFs. It’s ideal for designing professional publications, brochures, and eBooks.
Affinity Publisher is a desktop publishing application that allows users to create professional documents, which can then be exported as PDFs. It’s suitable for designing brochures, newsletters, and other print materials.
Scribus is a powerful open-source alternative to Adobe InDesign. It offers a range of tools for page layout and design, including advanced typography and precise control over layouts. Scribus is a cost-effective choice for creating professional-quality documents and print materials.
Page layout is an important part of visual design, and these tools make it easier to create magazines, brochures, flyers, eBooks, and more in a visually-engaging way. Learn to use one of these tools to make sure your resources are easy to use.
EXPLORE THE OPTIONS
Page Design Tools
Scribus
Scribus is a FREE, open-source alternative for page design. It provides a range of tools for designing the layout of your pages, including the ability to set margins, columns and gutters. You can also easily flow text from one page to another.
Affinity Publisher
Affinity Publisher provides a platform to design page layouts for books, magazines, marketing materials, social media, website mock-ups, and more.
Affinity’s products can be purchased for a one-time fee.
Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing and page layout designing software.
With it, you can create posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, and more.
EXAMINE SCENARIOS FOR USE
When would these tools be used in learning and development?
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Use Adobe InDesign to create a visually-engaging eBook for a course on journalism. The layout tools will ensure a polished and cohesive design.
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Use Affinity Publisher to design they page layout for an academic journal. Using this tool to create a user-friendly layout will make the experience of the reader enjoyable.
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Use Scribus to design a visually-engaging facilitator guide for a course on empathetic leadership. Ensuring the guide is visually-cohesive will make it easier for the facilitator to use the guide as a reference while teaching.
REFLECT ON WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED
Reflect
Aside from the resources listed, what instructional design-specific materials would a page design tool be useful for?
How might a page design tool be better at creating a magazine compared to Canva or another tool?