Formatting a Short Report

15 replies
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?
#formatting #report #short
  • Profile picture of the author 1960Texan
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author CliveG
    Personally I prefer full width, but the magazines have done far more research than me so columns must work.

    CliveG
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    • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
      Originally Posted by CliveG View Post

      but the magazines have done far more research than me so columns must work.
      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.
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      • Profile picture of the author CliveG
        Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath View Post

        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.
        Now we have larger screens, I'm not against columns on screen, but I suppose I might be if I used a small screen or personal device of some description.

        Although I know that there have been extensive readability studies for printed material, I'm not sure that many people, including the large media companies, really do do readability studies for online content. Some of what gets turned out is awful - layout, colours, etc.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
          Sorry, I should have been more clear. It would be for a PDF that's meant to be printed. The content will be available as both HTML and a PDF they can download and print.
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          • Profile picture of the author 6secrets
            Columns all the way... and plenty of quality relevant pictures.
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            • Profile picture of the author Rashell
              I don't usually print eBooks unless it's primarily a checklist or mindmap.

              I prefer them saved in landscape, since it's not fun having to shrink or scroll from top to bottom of a single page just to read it's content.

              I think it's easier to read columns from a landscape view. However, an overly wide side margin may be just as nice. Also, depending on the content having a wide margin would be great for brainstorming and "scribbling thoughts" (for those who do print).

              Rashell
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              • Profile picture of the author Elmer Hurlstone
                On the occasion I write a short report I format it full page and include a slew of pictures.

                Most reports I've read over the years were similarly formatted. Not to say that because something has always been done in a particular manner it's the only or even the best way.

                In the IM biz full page is traditional. In part, probably because it's easy. And, I suspect, many marketers don't have a lot of experience with relatively sophisticated page layout.

                Elmer
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          • Profile picture of the author SKWeaver
            Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

            Sorry, I should have been more clear. It would be for a PDF that's meant to be printed. The content will be available as both HTML and a PDF they can download and print.
            Even if the PDF is meant to be printed, I rarely do. It's easier and faster for me to read it online. Plus I don't have to take the time to print it. I have enough piles of stuff around here already!

            I agree with the others who say "1 column" for online viewing! I am experimenting a little bit with 2-column PDFs using custom page sizes (something like 6"x8" landscape). The idea is for the entire page to display on the screen at one time. But the jury's still out on that one.

            Something else I've done that works well is to use a 2-column PDF with a wider column for content and a narrow column as a "sidebar" that contains snippets of important text, relevant quotations, links to helpful content (affiliate links, of course!), etc. I don't fill the sidebar with content, just put in short content that reinforces what's in the main column. I like it because it's different and seems to hold readers' attention more.
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            • Profile picture of the author Lance K
              Another vote for full page layout. Even if the PDF is intended for printing, you never know how many people will actually print it out. And if it's only 1-3 pages, it's not like you're helping kill a bunch of trees if some people actually do print it.
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  • Profile picture of the author djbventures
    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.
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  • 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
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  • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    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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