When the package matters as much as the content—Manuals, reports, booklets and spec books that make an impact
We all know that what you say is just as important as how you say it. Printed information is no different. The layout, organization and presentation of your manual, your report, your instructional booklet or your spec book can have a powerful influence of how your audience receives and uses the information you present.
As you draft and layout your content, here are four things to think about that will ensure a smooth and quick production process and a high quality finished product:
Size, shape and color:
Is your information best presented in standard 8.5 x 11” or should some pieces be on larger Z-folded 11 x 17” paper? Where would color enhance your message? Where would the sharpness of black and white make the most impact? Is portrait or landscape best suited to your information?
Covers:
The cover of your manual or report makes an important first impression, so don’t leave thinking about it to last. Usage is as important as branding. Does the cover need to be waterproof and fade resistant or is your report going to be used once and then archived? Cardstock, acetate, and plastic with or without windows are some of the choices you’ll need to make.
Binding:
Bindings do more than hold the pages together and are an important consideration when laying out and organizing your text. How will your audience be using this information? Does the manual need to be easily thumbed through or lay totally flat? Does the booklet need to be folded in half along the spine so it can be easily set down or carried? Do sections of your spec book need to be removed and replaced periodically or is the information you are presenting final? Wire, Velobind, Perfectbind, GBC and other bindings each provide a different solution suited to your needs, so be ready to describe what they are.
Organization:
Page numbers and table of contents are often the first logical step in organizing your information, but you should consider how to best reinforce your content’s organization with customized sections and dividers. Three, five, seven or more numbered or lettered dividers, in color or black and white, printed on plastic or paper, will further improve your audience’s ability to quickly navigate through your information.
Whether you are producing one or 500, when you select AlphaGraphics as your production partner, we make sure you are putting your best information forward. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your next project.
Read our case studies on booklets.
