Print Design vs. Web Design

Designs are all around us. We see them every day — from basic road signs to fanciful apps on our phones. All designs are the same, right? What difference does a computer, tablet, or phone screen make?

In reality, the difference is more noticeable than you might think. Sure, some designs (such as logos) are made to look good in every format, from your computer screen to a billboard on the road. However, there are three major differences between print and web design worth understanding.

Color

What you see on your screen is not what you will see when it’s printed. Colors can be altered ever so slightly, or appear completely different. It is vital to know what a color will look like on your website and after it’s printed.

Layout

The layout is how you manage your information and utilize space. You can have multiple pages on your website, but when designing a business card you only have two small sides to work with. Constraints drive creativity — but they’re different constraints.

Size

Imagine driving by a billboard designed like a web page. The fonts are too small. The logo might as well be invisible. Conversely, imagine a website modeled after a billboard — giant text, pictures that take over the whole screen, and very little information. Both scenarios fail the audience.

Understanding these differences is the first step toward design that works across every medium. If you need help navigating the process, we’re always happy to provide a free quote.