Page layout and formatting

• Design documents to communicate visually as well as verbally. Choose a page layout that conforms to your readers’ expectations. An academic paper has a different format than a memo or a letter.
• Design documents to be open and inviting. Format your margins, line spacing, and paragraph spacing to leave plenty of white space Definition for white space, opens in dialog  and to show groupings of information.
• Design for usability. Use headers and footers. Choose readable fonts. When helpful, use headings to direct the reader.
• Support your writing with strong visuals—tables, charts, and images.

Characteristics of well-designed documents

• It is clear who wrote the document, when, and for what purposes.
• A clear visual organization guides readers through the document.
• The document emphasizes what is most important and downplays (or subordinates) what is less important.
• The document allows readers to skim to pick up the main points.