

The content appears evenly distributed across the surface. If helpful, a window is resizable and its content layout is effective no matter how large or small the surface is. UI elements that are large need to be large, and elements that are small work well small. Users can find the content they are looking for at a glance. The layout appears as intended regardless of the font typeface or size, dots per inch (dpi), display, or graphic adaptor. The UI elements have coordinated placement, so they are easy to scan and appear orderly.Īdditionally, effective layout has these attributes: UI elements are emphasized based on their relative importance. Related items are grouped together unrelated items are separate. Logically related UI elements have a clear visual relationship. The eye flows smoothly and naturally by a clear path through the surface, finding user interface (UI) elements in the order appropriate for their use. The layout indicates where users need to look first. Visual hierarchy is achieved by skillfully combining the following attributes:

Without a visual hierarchy, users would have to figure out these relationships and priorities themselves. Design concepts Visual hierarchyĪ window or page has a clear visual hierarchy when its appearance indicates the relationship and priority of its elements. Recommended specific control sizing and spacing are presented in their respective guideline articles.

Note: Guidelines related to window management are presented in a separate article. Effective layout can make the difference between designs that users immediately understand and those that leave users feeling puzzled and overwhelmed. Effective layout is crucial in helping users find what they are looking for quickly, as well as making the appearance visually appealing. Layout is the sizing, spacing, and placement of content within a window or page. Much of the guidance still applies in principle, but the presentation and examples do not reflect our current design guidance.
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This design guide was created for Windows 7 and has not been updated for newer versions of Windows.
