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Balance

Proximity and White Space
When designing your web pages it is important to "strike a balance" between the proximity of the text and graphics to each other and the white space in between. A web page that has too many graphics will look cluttered. Likewise, a page with no decorative elements is apt to look dull or boring. The way objects are grouped together on a web page can improve the aesthetics or distract from the overall content.
Symmetry
Balance can be achieved with color, line, shape, and/or texture. There are two different types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is developed through the placement of equal and identical objects on each side of the page. Objects are typically reversed as in a mirror. The navigation arrows at the top of this page demonstrate symmetrical balance. While this type of balance can be quite useful, it usually becomes boring when used extensively. Asymmetrical balance on the other hand is generally considered to be more artistic and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In this form of balance a variety of objects are placed more randomly. Balance is achieved by the size or "weight" of the objects and way they are placed upon the page. Asymmetrical balance can seem more difficult to master but is certain to make web pages look more professional. The remainder of this web page demonstrates the use of aymmetrical balance.
Asymmetrical and Symmetrical Balance

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