What is the purpose of white space in a layout?

White space, also known as negative space, plays a crucial role in layout design by enhancing readability and focus. By intentionally incorporating white space, designers can separate different elements on a page, guide the viewer’s eye to important information, and create a visual hierarchy. This breathing room allows the audience to process the information presented without feeling overwhelmed, making it easier to identify key messages and navigate the design.

Utilizing white space effectively can improve overall aesthetic appeal, making the design more engaging. A well-balanced layout with adequate white space can create a sense of elegance and professionalism, leading to a more pleasant viewer experience.

While other options touch on aspects of design, they do not capture the primary function of white space as effectively. For example, adding color variety or filling empty areas does not necessarily contribute to readability or focus. Likewise, while texture can be important in design, it is not the central purpose of white space.