Layout
The concept of “Built to change” is also reflected in our layout principle: flexible, adaptable, and yet consistent. Our system is based on graphic blocks that can be sequentially enlarged or reduced in size. They offer sufficient flexibility to create many different layout variations while ensuring a consistent look and feel.
All templates for various applications are available for download in the Templates section.
At a Glance
1. Form Follows Function
When designing, we have the freedom to choose how we arrange graphic elements. The content dictates the design. It’s important that the graphic elements build on one another. An element can contain a colour, a headline, a block of text, or a photo. It’s also possible to use a photo or a solid colour as the background for the entire design.
2. Make it as easy as possible for viewers
We avoid cluttered layouts and use only as many elements as necessary. We use a maximum of three graphic blocks per layout. The logo can be integrated into the layout as a graphic block.
3. The Typical RUB Look
To keep designs from looking random, all blocks follow the same rules: They are rounded, have spacing from the edge, and appear in a defined colour scheme. We always use only one colour group per application to keep it from looking too colourful. It’s the overlapping of the blocks that creates the signature RUB look.
For Designers
It’s best to build our design step by step.
Step 1: Select a logo variant
For a more classic look, we choose the standard logo. If we want a more relaxed look—especially for internal communications such as posters—we use the separated logo. This version offers more creative freedom. We also choose the positioning of the tagline accordingly.
We place the logo at a size between 1/10 and 1/5 of the shorter side. This range ensures that the logo is balanced within the layout.
Beispiel: Bei einer kurzen Seite von 300 mm entspricht das einer Logogröße zwischen 30 mm und 60 mm. Bei einem Format mit 1080 px als kürzere Seite liegt die empfohlene Logogröße entsprechend zwischen 108 px und 216 px.
Das Logo darf auch je nach Anwendungsfall größer oder kleiner dargestellt werden. Dabei muss jedoch immer die Mindestgröße eingehalten werden.
We always place the standard logo in one of the corners. When using the standard logo, we place the tagline separately from the logo in the layout.
Step 2: Set the spacing
The standard margin and inner spacing for graphic blocks are each 1/20 of the shorter side. These values are provided as a guideline and can be adjusted as needed.
Once the internal spacing is defined, the corner radius can be calculated from it. The corner radius is approximately 1/3 of the internal spacing.
Example: For a print format with a shorter side length of 300 mm, this results in an inner margin of 15 mm and rounded corners of 5 mm. For a digital format with a shorter side length of 1080 px, this corresponds to an inner margin of 54 px and rounded corners of 18 px. These values are provided as a guide and can be adjusted.
Für die Gestaltung von Webseiten gelten Andere Abstände und Abrundungen – siehe Kapitel Webdesign.
Tip: Most graphics programs allow you to set up a grid. When designing, it’s helpful to create a grid with a spacing equal to 1/20 of the shorter side.
Recommendations for DIN Formats
We have defined the spacing and corner radii for the standard DIN formats.
| Value | DIN lang | A6 | A5 | A4 | A3 | A2 | A1 | A0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kürzeste Seite (mm) | 99 | 105 | 148 | 210 | 297 | 420 | 594 | 841 |
| Padding (mm) | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 30 | 42,5 |
| Page margin (mm) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 20 | 28,5 | 40 | 56,5 |
| Rounded Corners (mm) | 2 | 2 | 2,5 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 |
| Standard Logo Height (mm) | 14 | 14 | 18 | 25 | 40 | 56,5 | 80 | 113 |
| Minimum Logo Height (mm) | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 21 | 30 | 40 |
| Standard Wordmark Height (mm) | 2,8 | 2,8 | 3,6 | 4 | 6 | 8,5 | 12 | 17 |
| Minimum Wordmark Height (mm) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
Posters are often displayed in clip frames that cover part of the border. Therefore, different recommendations apply here for page margins. The distances listed are recommendations and may be adjusted.
For multi-page layouts such as brochures, flyers, or magazines, a different type area can be used to achieve a balanced ratio of text to white space.
Step 3: Select a color group
We choose a colour scheme that matches the content or the image.
The choice is up to you and depends on your needs and the desired effect.
Important: We use only one colour group per application.
Combining different colour groups is not permitted.
In the case of a multi-page publication (such as a brochure), the
colour may be changed.
Step 4: Arrange the blocks
Our layout system is flexible and adapts to the content. It is based on overlapping rectangles that are arranged in ascending order of size. The overlap is at least the defined inner margin (4 percent of the total height) and can be set more generously, particularly to enhance the overall effect. The goal is a harmonious and balanced composition.
Step 5: Positioning image content
Images can either serve as a background for the entire layout or be placed within a graphic block.
Step 6: Place Text
We generally align text to the left or center it. The choice depends on the content, format, and length of the text. Shorter texts can be centered to create a calm and concise effect. Texts can be freely positioned at the top, bottom, or center of the layout. We always ensure good readability. For body text, there are two options:
In a block: Body text can be placed in its own block. The heading and body text can be placed together or separately, either in one block or in two blocks.
Free-standing in the layout: If the body text is placed outside a graphic block, we prefer to position it along the page margin in a free corner of the layout. Depending on the amount of text, it can also be positioned in other locations.
Design Examples
Our design is flexible, but we still want to preserve the typical RUB look. The following examples show how we achieve this.
