IUPUI W130/131 Portfolio Tutorial
What is white space?
Why does it matter?
White space is the blank area surrounding text and photos. It doesn't even have to be white! In the image below, the "white space" is actually blue.
White space helps separate and emphasize various page elements. Without white space, a page might look cluttered. Text can be difficult to read and the eye doesn't know where to look. If the page looks too busy, the reader will often pass it by without giving it a second glance.
White space places emphasis on a text, image, or object on the page. If an image is surrounded by nothing, the eye will immediately fall to the image. The guitar ad to the right is an example of how white space is used to catch the reader's attention with white space.
Not only will white space make your page more readable, it helps create balance. Keep in mind that a balanced page does not have to be symmetrical.
The example below on the left is almost perfectly symmetrical. While this example is not horrible, it is difficult to read and the eye tends to dart all over the page.
The example on the right is not as symmetrical as the left example, but the page is easy to read and visually pleasing.
Use white space to your advantage!
Help viewers read your pages with ease. Use white space to make your portfolios more visually appealing and set the mood. See Mark Mauloni's article on white space for more details.