How to Design a Newspaper Online
Traditionally, individuals who wished to read news stories had to do so in the paper format. However, with advances in technology, readers are now able to enjoy these same stories on the Internet. When creating an online news source, you can either start from scratch or personalize an existing print publication into a digital format.
- Determine what the text and background colors for the website will be. Black and other darker colors on a white background is the most practical and easy to read design for online newspapers.
- Decide on which fonts to use for the website. When making this decision remember that legibility is the most important concept to remember. Font choices that are too fancy can sometimes be too hard for the reader to read. In print the world, Arial and Georgia are the most common options and read well online.
- Design a banner to serve as the header for the website. This banner will serve as a brand for the website, so you'll want to ensure that it's unique, recognizable and catchy. This is especially important if the website is an extension of a newspaper currently in circulation.
- Consider adding a navigation bar just below the main header. Just as in a traditionally formatted newspaper, online readers want to know exactly where to go for the stories they wish to read.
- Decide whether you'll use a column, grid or tab system to organize the news stories. The style you choose should give readers insight on the importance of each section of the newspaper with leading and more prominent stories appearing in larger headings than those less important stories.