page_54 < previous page page_54 next page > Page 54 6 Use Only Top and Bottom Rules for Tables Stay away from full-rule boxes for tables. They are old-fashioned and unnecessary. They also cost money, since the rules either have to be set or laid in on the mechanical. Also, type within the box has to be set to a shorter measure. Use rules only at the top and bottom to create an "open" box. It's a far better technique. Or use a screened background to create your box. Just make sure you use the correct weight of screen. Too dark a screen will make the table hard to read. Open boxes like this one are far more appealing and more modern than a full box with rules on all four sides. Open boxes are also easier to create, quicker to change. 7 Use Initial Letters to Create Impact Initial letterslarge or decorative letters used at the beginning of text sectionsprovide many opportunities for creative designers to develop powerful, dramatic, and pleasing graphic attention grabbers. They may be stand-up (the initial letter sticks up above the text), cut-in (the first few lines of text are indented to accommodate the initial letter), or used totally on their own. This cursive capital H makes a dramatic statement. Perfectly balanced, the weight of its thick and thin elements, its positioning, blend beautifully with the strong italic used for the rest of the heading.  < previous page page_54 next page >