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11/24/10
Columns and gutters
11:06 AM
Page 66
Images
Columns and gutters Columns and gutters are some of the most basic elements used for placing text and image in a layout. Columns Columns are the vertical boxes that contain typography, and are used as a guide for the placement of images. These columns are separated by spacing, called gutters. Gutters Gutters, or inter-column gutters, separate columns of type, but additionally a gutter also describes the central portion of a double-page spread (DPS), as shown below. This central portion is generally left blank, but type and images can be printed across it. If printing in the gutter area of a DPS, it is worth noting the following: • there will be a slither of image that becomes unreadable; • images won’t necessarily align as they are often printed in different sections; • if type is to be run across the gutter, it needs to be of sufficient size to compensate for printing tolerances.
Column
Central gutter
Gutter or inter-column gutter
Job No:02210 Title:BD Layout (Second Edition) Page:66