: What is the difference between layout and design? I can't understand what is "design" and what is "layout" in terms of web design. I'm confused between layout and design. Can anybody can help

@Mendez620

a lot depends on how you use the term "design". design refers to the overall project which a part of is the layout. the layout elements must then also be individually designed to fit and compliment the overall design. I am a landscape architect, and have to design in 3D as well as graphically.my plans can be compared to a website in that I have to convey a lot of information visually and in clear, orderly yet pleasing visual experience. the way I see it; overall design incorporates the layout which incorporates individually designed elements.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Berumen635

layout is the attraction for readership and to optimize the Newspaper's effectiveness in presenting information

Vote Up Vote Down

@Michele215

Another way to think about this.

A news paper is designed, including choosing type face, column widths, colours for heating etc to get the “house style”.

Then each day a layout is done with today’s news and photos. The layout is done keeping to the rules that were decided at the time of the design. Layout can include rewriting a headline so it fits in better or cropping a photo, but is unlikely to include choosing the typeface.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Gretchen549

Layout is the placement or the arrangement of all the elements while the Design serves as the plan or the visual presentation/appearance of the layout.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Nimeshi706

They are really closely related.

Layout is defined as the arrangement of predetermined items on a page. Basically, you're given the pieces and they are arranged.

Design is defined as the art or skill of combining text, images, and other items into a visually pleasing arrangement.

So, really they can be almost interchangeable.

The primary difference is that for layout you don't need to create anything. You just decide on placement, color, size, etc for items you already have. For design you typically create things or find things to use. Such as, you draw a series of icons to use in the layout. Or you find stock photos and edit them to fit your layout.

Most graphic design (web or print) encompasses layout. However, a layout does not necessarily encompass design.

Admittedly it's a fine line and this is really just my opinion. There are few, if any, hard rules on what constitutes layout vs design. They both take a skilled eye when dealing with things like balance, proximity, space, etc.

Vote Up Vote Down