Where Is the Deck in Page Layout? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Design 28 28 people found this article helpful

The Definition and Location of the 'Deck' in Page Layout

By Jacci Howard Bear Jacci Howard Bear Writer A graphic designer, writer, and artist who writes about and teaches print and web design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 3, 2019 Tweet Share Email tacojim / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design The deck is a newspaper term for a short article summary that accompanies the headline of an article. The deck is also known as "deck copy," "bank" or "dek."

Traditional Decks

Often seen in newsletters and magazines, the deck is one or more lines of text found between the headline and the body of the article. The deck elaborates or expands on the headline and topic of the accompanying text. Decks are set in a typeface that is sized somewhere between the headline and body text to provide contrast. Writing a deck is a skill in itself. The intent is to provide enough information to tantalize the reader to read the entire article, without giving away too much information. It is an elaboration on the title and serves much the same purpose as the title—to convince the reader to read the article. One key aspect of print design is providing visual signposts or visual cues that let readers know where they are and where they are going. Signposting breaks up text and images into readable, easy-to-follow blocks or panels of information. A deck is a form of visual signpost that helps a reader assess an article before committing to reading the whole thing.

The Deck Online

Decks aren't relegated solely to the world of print publications. Online, they frequently appear—under the headline—to give readers a gist of the content, even if they don't click through to read the whole article. On the web, a deck still summarizes the article but it also may incorporate SEO and indicate whether the article is a review, Q&A, analysis or other types of articles. It is concise, uses active language and colorful verbs, and foreshadows the text without giving away critical details. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Understanding the Parts of a Newsletter Layout How Do I Design a Good Newsletter? Tips and Hints How to View Blurred Text on Websites How to Connect Steam Deck to a TV What Is an Article Byline? How to Get Free eBooks: A Step-by-Step Guide How to Connect Steam Deck to a PC 10 Tips on How to Make Something Go Viral Online Condensed Fonts Take up Less Space Horizontally The 10 Best News Apps for iPhone in 2022 How to Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge How to Add Hyperlinks to PDF Files How to Hyperlink in Word Documents The 10 Best Games for Steam Deck of 2022 EOM: What It Means and How It Saves Time How to Use Reading Mode on an iPhone or iPad Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies