The space needed below the top headline is about half that needed below the bottom head.

The wonders of inner space

We often pay so much attention to the elements we’re placing on a page that we can lose touch with one of the elements no one sees: space.

I’m a strong proponent of the use of negative space — with good reason. But this column is more about the space we normally place into a design. You know ... space. Like line space and gutter space and the space-between-elements-and-packages space.

This space is critical to a good design, so getting the space right is important.

Some suggestions:

ALIGN TO BASELINE: This is my number one rule. I always lock text to the baseline, having set the baseline at the same number of units as my line spacing. So, if my text is 9.5 points on 11 points, the baseline grid is set at p11. So I create a more professional look throughout, I also lock to the baseline those elements that are text-like in size, such as captions, editor’s notes, bylines and taglines (at the end of columns).

THREE-PICA SPACING: I apply this standard on open pages such as Page 1, Opinion, the Sports front and the Life front. In most designs, I dissect that space with a .5-point rule to help readers see the separation between packages. If you have a front with some ads, it’s up to you to apply three picas or reduce to ...

TWO-PICA SPACING: This standard usually works better for pages with ads. It takes a bit of a learning curve to get the spacing right between adjacent packages but it comes pretty easy after just a few issues. This space also is dissected with a .5-point rule.

HEADLINE-TO-COPY: This one is a bit tricky, because it depends on the characters in the headline. If there are no descenders, you can place the copy a bit closer to the headline. With descenders, you have to allow enough space so they don’t bang into the copy. My rule of thumb: A pica below the headline always and forever ... e-x-c-e-p-t ... when there are descenders. And when there are, I allow enough space for them to be comfortably separated from the copy.

BYLINES, ETC: As noted earlier, these are locked to the baseline grid. But I always allow a full line of space between those elements and the text. I also allow a full line of space between text and contact lines, taglines and jumplines.

PHOTOS: In most cases, it works well to allow six points of text wrap around photos, graphics and other visual elements. Occasionally, especially on features pages, a pica works better.

PULLOUTS: I’m a space junkie, so I usually allow a full pica above and below pullouts.

One last thought: open up your design. If you think you might be using too much space, fine. Leave it alone. Err for air. You’ve heard the expression “Less is more.” But when it comes to space, think “More is more.”

FREE DESIGN EVALUATION: Ed Henninger offers design evaluations — at no charge and with no obligation — to readers of this column. For more information, check the FREEBIE page on Ed’s website: www.henningerconsulting.com

ED HENNINGER is an independent newspaper consultant and director of Henninger Consulting. Offering comprehensive newspaper design services, including redesigns, workshops, staff training and evaluations.E-mail:edh@henningerconsulting.com .On the Web: www. henningerconsulting.com. Phone: (803) 327-3322.

POSTED 2/17/11