Do I have to be multiples of 4 for album design?
In graphic design, we often meet the design requirements of picture albums. Many people have a question about the specifications of the album: Does the album design have to be a multiple of 4? This question is not black or white, but needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
1. Why is there a requirement of multiples of 4?
Many design software, such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, have strange regulations. For example, in Adobe InDesign, when you create a new document, you'll find that it only gives you four spec choices: A4, B5, 8.5x11, and 11x17, which are multiples of 4.
What is the reason behind this rule? The main reason is that a multiple of 4 facilitates page cutting and printing, allowing better control of the paper waste rate. You can also take advantage of this when shipping from Taobao stores, as multiples of 4 are easier to pack and print in batches, making it more convenient and efficient.
2. Multiples of 4 are not required.
While the multiple of 4 specification has advantages, it doesn't mean we have to abide by it. In some specific cases, we can also use a design that is not a multiple of 4.
First, in some specific scenarios, such as brochures, leaflets, and newspapers that need to be distributed, we can select a smaller multiple of 4 to facilitate carrying and distribution.
Second, in some high-end album design, through irregular overlap, folding or page turning effects can bring rich artistic effects, in these cases, the four-fold specification limits our creativity.
3. Properly use non-four multiples
For cases where a non-multiple 4 specification design is required, the custom page specification feature in the design software can be leveraged appropriately. The paper resources can be fully utilized and the proportion of the design can be controlled to ensure the quality of the design.
In typography, we find that non-4 multiples are not as good as multiples of 4, but for some albums designed for specific occasions, some regular and reasonable specifications will make the albums better when they are pushed to the target audience.
Also, there are a lot of creative paper sizes and remodels on the market, so you can try more irregular sizes, original creative content, or unique paper materials to get more artistic touch.
To sum up,album designYou don't have to use multiples of 4, but you have to choose on a case-by-case basis. It is a more efficient, compact and reasonable way to select multiple of 4 in the routine production of picture albums, but it is possible to consider the design of non-multiple of 4 in special requirements and occasions. Designers only choose according to the actual situation and use the functions of the design software skillfully, can better realize artistic creativity and enhance the reading enjoyment of the album.
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