: What, if any, differences are there between composition and layout? What if any differences are there between the terms layout and composition when talking about graphic design?

@Gonzalez368

Layout is position, composition takes in to consideration stuff like color etc.

Imagine if this site decided to use a black background with white text instead of black text on white. It'd be the same layout, but a very different composition.

An example:

Click for full size

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@Angela777

There is a difference that I think is best summed up by Robert Lane as seen on the Elements of Visual Design website:


Composition is the manner pieces or components are combined and
arranged visually to tell a story. Proper composition considers
alignment, grouping, placement, space, and visual flow within a
layout. This layout can be any medium. Once a proper audience and
purpose have been determined then composition, components, and concept
can encompass that identified purpose allowing a successful design.


In other words, Composition can be seen as the elements that make up the design:


Composition • the nature of something's ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up.


Whereas layout is the organization of said elements:


Layout
• the way in which the parts of something are arranged or laid out.

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