Formatting a Short Report

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Studies have shown that it is easier for people to read things in narrow columns rather than full page lengths. Thus, magazines, for example, tend to have articles in two or three columns rather than the full width of the page.

For a short report with a length of 1 to 3 pages, would you prefer to read that information in columns or the full width of the page? The page is a standard (U.S.) 8.5"x11" with 1" margins, so you're looking at 7.5" width of text. The alternative is to go with two 3.5" columns, leaving a .5" gap between the columns.

So, what say you? Full width or columns?
#main internet marketing discussion forum #formatting #report #short
  • For me, it depends on size of the font. Anything larger than a 14pt would look strange to me if it were in multiple columns.

    Will
  • Personally I prefer full width, but the magazines have done far more research than me so columns must work.

    CliveG
    • [1] reply
    • Of course, they work... if you add: on paper

      They also know it doesn't work on the web, on computers: I often read articles from my local newspaper on their web edition and quite a few magazines, too.

      They never have columns in the web layout! That should tell us something, I guess.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • If the content is there, I don't really have a preference. I do like (just an FYI) when pages have callouts which are easy to follow and give me the story in snippets as well. I can easily scan and decide if I want to read all the material or not.
  • For printed media, I much prefer columns for all the reasons stated.

    However, for material that is being read online, columns introduce all sorts of usability issues. Most importantly, users don't normally display a whole page on a screen at any one time. So, for two columns, that means reading the first column, scrolling down, then scrolling back to the top to read the right column, then scrolling down. That is a real pain and a flaw on any online newsletter or report that does this.

    Thom
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • Full width in browsers and PDF's. But break up the monotony of long paragraphs and throw in some cool images now and then. Bullet points and lots of subheads help, as well. But yeah, full width is my preference.

    John
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Hi Dan,

    I don't think columns work for things read on a computer, for the reasons others have stated.

    I find them difficult to read, and often do not finish them. It's simply not the same experience as reading a newspaper or magazine.

    Go with slightly wider margins and you'll be fine, IMHO.

    All the best,
    Michael
  • I prefer cold watermelon on a hot day.

    Oh wait, wrong forum. Standard layout for me. Two columns in a PDF are a PITA to read. I usually won't. Don't overthink it.
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    Formatting a Short Report

    Studies have shown that it is easier for people to read things in narrow columns rather than full page lengths. Thus, magazines, for example, tend to have articles in two or three columns rather than the full width of the page. For a short report with a length of 1 to 3 pages, would you prefer to read that information in columns or the full width of the page? The page is a standard (U.S.) 8.5"x11" with 1" margins, so you're looking at 7.5" width of text. The alternative is to go with two 3.5" columns, leaving a .5" gap between the columns.