Fashion Effects to Create Your Own Magazine Layouts

Whether you are a budding print media entrepreneur, or you simply want to create a newsletter for your business, charity, or church group, Adobe Photoshop software has the tools you need to create a professional looking layout good enough for mass distribution.

The best way to learn how to create magazine layouts is to become familiar with the function while creating the simplest page possible - starting out with a two column magazine layout format is easiest way to get a little trial and error under your belt. To begin creating this two-column page, select “create a new file.†For the setting, use 18 centimeters in width by 28 centimeters in height. These are important numbers to keep in mind, as they correspond to the printable area on a normal, A4 piece of paper. Set the resolution at at least 300 dpi; this is acceptable for most print jobs, though if you are trying to create something a little more professional, a higher resolution rate is better. The color mode should be set as CMYK, the standard mode for printing. The contents should be on “white.†Click “apply†and “OK†to apply these settings.

Next, select view from your toolbar, and then click on “show rulers.†Rulers will then appear on the top of your page and along the left side. These rulers will guide you in spacing your materials.

Before you add any text to your magazine layout, it is easiest to add any images first. If you are a new user, working with one image is the best way to get started - multiple images can get complicated and are better used when you are more familiar with the software. To insert your image and start working on the document itself, you will need to drag the guidelines from the rulers onto your page. Left click on the ruler and pull the lines down to create a space for a headline and to guide you as to where you want to place you image. Now open the image (already edited), copy it, and paste it into your layout. You can experiment with the size within the layout of the image now.

Now, you should create the border for your page. Using the selection tool, choose “square†or “Mâ€. Drag the lasso all the way around the edge of the document and then hold the “alt†key down to get a series of hatches in the area you selected. Now drag the lasso from 30 pixels from the top right corner to 30 pixels from the bottom left corner. Now you should have an edge around the whole page. You can fill this border with a color, swatch, or style by selecting your choice and using the fill bucket.

Finally, it’s time for text. Click “window†and select your font and size. First, begin typing in the headline window you created from your rulers. To create your two columns, first drag the cursor from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. This will create two columns. Simply begin typing in left column, wrapping the text around the photo manually. Repeat in the right column.

At this point, your page is finished, except for any details or designs you want to add using your pen tool or clip art. You should have a page worthy of any professional publication. Once you become comfortable with this format, you can expand into creating multiple page articles, using multiple images, and using more graphics. As with all Photoshop applications, remember, the key is patience! Soon it will become old hat.