How to Use Balance in Graphic Design

Balance is one of the key principles of graphic design. It refers to the distribution and visual weight of elements in a composition. A well-balanced design is naturally pleasing to the eye and exudes a sense of equilibrium. But balance doesn't mean that every element is given equal weight or that the design is symmetrical. Rather, it means that no one element overpowers the design — everything works together to create a unified whole.

There are different types of balance in graphic design, such as symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, mosaic, and discordant. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the message and mood you want to convey. In this article, we will explore how to use balance in graphic design, why it is important, and some tips and examples to inspire you.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance is when the elements on each side of a composition are given equal weight. This type of balance creates a sense of stability, order, and formality. It can be a good choice for more serious or professional documents, or for simple designs where elements have equal importance. For example, this chart template uses symmetrical balance to present data in a clear and concise way:

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Notice how the designer uses a balance of white space (the breathing room around elements — also called negative space) and positive space (the actual elements) to ensure the composition isn't too empty or full. The designer also uses repetition in the shapes and text treatments — paired with a little variety in the colors — to achieve this balance.

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical balance is when elements aren't weighted evenly. This type of balance creates a sense of movement, dynamism, and interest. It can be a good choice for more creative or informal documents, or for complex designs where elements have different levels of importance. For example, this infographic template uses asymmetrical balance to highlight the main points and add visual appeal:

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Notice how the designer uses contrast in size, shape, color, and position to create focal points and guide the viewer's eye. The designer also uses alignment and proximity to create harmony and connection among the elements.

Radial Balance

Radial balance is when elements are arranged around a central point. This type of balance creates a sense of circular motion, energy, and unity. It can be a good choice for designs that emphasize a core concept or idea, or that have a circular shape or theme. For example, this logo template uses radial balance to create a memorable and distinctive identity:

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Notice how the designer uses symmetry and repetition to create a balanced and cohesive design. The designer also uses color and typography to create contrast and personality.

Mosaic Balance

Mosaic balance is when elements are arranged in a random or chaotic way. This type of balance creates a sense of diversity, complexity, and richness. It can be a good choice for designs that showcase a variety of information or images, or that have a collage or mosaic style. For example, this flyer template uses mosaic balance to create an eye-catching and colorful design:

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Notice how the designer uses white space and grids to create some order and structure among the elements. The designer also uses color and typography to create hierarchy and emphasis.

Discordant Balance

Discordant balance is when elements are deliberately unbalanced or mismatched. This type of balance creates a sense of tension, drama, and surprise. It can be a good choice for designs that want to challenge the viewer's expectations or convey a strong emotion or message. For example, this poster template uses discordant balance to create an impactful and provocative design:

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Notice how the designer uses contrast in size, shape, color, and position to create imbalance and dissonance among the elements. The designer also uses alignment and proximity to create some connection and meaning among the elements.

Why is Balance Needed for an Effective Design?

Balance is needed for an effective design because it helps you achieve several goals, such as:

- Attracting the viewer's attention and interest

- Communicating your message clearly and effectively

- Creating harmony and unity among your elements

- Establishing hierarchy and emphasis among your elements

- Enhancing the readability and usability of your design

- Evoking emotions and moods in your viewer

- Reflecting your brand identity and personality

How to Apply Balance in Design

To apply balance in design, you need to consider several factors, such as:

- The purpose and audience of your design

- The message and mood you want to convey

- The elements and content you want to include

- The layout and format of your design

Based on these factors, you can choose the type of balance that suits your design best. You can also use some tools and techniques to help you achieve balance, such as:

- Grids and guides: These can help you align and position your elements in a balanced way.

- White space: This can help you create breathing room and contrast among your elements.

- Contrast: This can help you create focal points and interest among your elements.

- Repetition: This can help you create harmony and cohesion among your elements.

- Variety: This can help you create diversity and richness among your elements.

- Scale: This can help you create a hierarchy and emphasis your elements.

- Proximity: This can help you create connection and meaning among your elements.

Tips for Applying Balance in Your Design

Here are some tips for applying balance in your design:

- Experiment with different types of balance and see what works best for your design.

- Use grids and guides to help you align and position your elements in a balanced way.

- Use white space to create breathing room and contrast among your elements.

- Use contrast in size, shape, color, and position to create focal points and interest among your elements.

- Use repetition in shapes, colors, fonts, and styles to create harmony and cohesion among your elements.

- Use variety in shapes, colors, fonts, and styles to create diversity and richness among your elements.

- Use a scale to create a hierarchy and emphasis your elements.

- Use proximity to create connection and meaning among your elements.

Conclusion

Balance is one of the key principles of graphic design. It refers to the distribution and visual weight of elements in a composition. A well-balanced design is naturally pleasing to the eye and exudes a sense of equilibrium. There are different types of balance in graphic design, such as symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, mosaic, and discordant. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the message and mood you want to convey. To apply the balance in design, you need to consider several factors, such as the purpose, audience, message, mood, elements, content, layout and format of your design. You can also use some tools and techniques to help you achieve balance, such as grids, guides, white space, contrast, repetition, variety, scale, and proximity.

If you want to learn more about balance in graphic design, or if you need some inspiration for your next project, check out these resources:

- A Brief Guide to Balance — A Design Principle - Venngage

- Balance in Graphic Design: The Complete Guide | CorelDRAW

- What is Balance in Graphic Design? | Simplified

- Why You Need Balance In Graphic Design | Vizons Design

And if you want to create stunning designs with ease, try using CorelDRAW. It's a powerful graphic design software that lets you create professional-looking designs with drag-and-drop templates, intuitive tools, and customizable features. Whether you need a logo, flyer, infographic, poster or any other type of design, CorelDRAW can help you achieve it. Start your free trial today!

This article was written by Ameer Muavia, a freelance graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in the field. He specializes in creating logos, flyers, infographics, posters and other types of designs for various clients. He also has a portfolio on Behance where he showcases his work. If you need any graphic design services or advice, you can contact him through his Fiverr profile or his Upwork profile. He would love to hear from you!