Traditional geometric methods for deciding a book page's margins and the size and position of its text block using simple proportions rather than fixed measurements; the best known is the Van de Graaf canon.
Synonyms
- page construction canon
- van de graaf canon
Related terms
- manuscript grid
- margin
- golden section
- layout grid
In plain words
- old geometric rules for placing text on a book page
- a proportional way to set book margins
Usage example
Using the Van de Graaf canon, the typesetter positioned the text block with classically balanced margins.
Don't confuse with…
- rule of thirdsThe rule of thirds is a quick compositional guide; canons of page construction are precise geometric systems for setting a page's margins and text area.
Categories
- Grid systems