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‘Copy space’ is the area of an image that is clear and uncluttered and therefore, suitable for text to be placed and easily read. It is often used to deliver a strong message combined with attention-grabbing graphics so that the copy and picture work in harmony. But how do you find images with copy space and what if the copy still isn’t very legible?
Searching for images with copy space
The most effective way to find images with copy space is to enter ‘copy space’ into the search box. This will give you a broad range of images as the subject hasn’t been specified but it’s a great place to start if you want any kind of copy space. If you know what kind of image you want, then you can simply add it to the search query. For example, here are the results for ‘copy space food’. Don’t forget to check our general search tips to help you find the perfect picture. There are also a whole range of search filters you can use too.
What if the image is perfect but the copy doesn’t seem to quite work with it, or it doesn’t fit seamlessly?
Photo editing tips to enhance your use of copy space
The most important thing is to ensure your image points towards your text. This might mean ensuring that the model is looking towards the text. But even without a model, images tend to have assumed lines created by objects or even the silhouette of an object.
Take the below image for example: there’s plenty of space to put the text in the top-right or even bottom-left. But the natural position would be top-left as that’s the direction the surfer is walking towards and also the direction the surfboard is pointing towards. You could also argue to place text in the top-right as the surfer appears to be looking in that direction. If you’re not sure where an image directs your eye, try to focus on where your eye goes first and how it moves through the image. The best images tend to have a nice, natural flow to them.
However, sometimes a little image manipulation is needed. Here are some of the best tips to get the most out of the copy space in your image.
- Flipping the image horizontally might be all that’s needed to achieve better balance with your use of copy space
- Use layer masking to help the text fit in and add some depth to the image
- Text looks more legible when placed on top of the blurry part of an image
- Consider adding a gradient layer between the image and text to make it more legible if you don’t want to use a coloured box
- Adding drop shadows to the text can also make it more legible
- Don’t forget to use a contrast checker to ensure your text is legible to a broad range of people
- As a last resort, you may need to use a coloured box to make the text legible
We hope that gives you the tools you need to find and use copy space images effectively. The most important thing to remember is that this is about making your image and copy work in harmony. They should not be in conflict with each other but rather complement each other. Have fun creating your next graphics!
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