Pullouts - DTP - Articles about Computing

Pullouts can make your text attractive.

The pullout is one or two of the most important sentences in a document. It�s usually written in a larger type size. Sometimes it�s placed between two columns. Since it�s larger than the space between the columns, the text has to flow around it.

Pull quotes arouse the curiosity of the reader. They may include a compelling phrase that can be clarified only by reading the rest of the text. People will want to know more, so they will want to read the rest of the article.

This is different from a callout. A callout looks like a speech bubble. It is a box that relates to something that a person says. It is not necessarily the most important sentence in the document.

It is also different from a subtitle. A subtitle may clarify the title, but it does not necessarily help to make the document interesting.

It is different from a summary or an abstract. A summary includes basic information. Its goal is not to arouse information or to draw the attention of the reader.

A pullout is useful for various types of articles. If your desktop publishing program will not allow a callout to be set apart from the rest of the document, then you have other alternatives.

Separate it with a row of lines or asterisks above or below
Place it on a box on the side
Create a side bar
Place it in a separate column next to the main text

In any event, it should stand out, and it should be larger than the regular text so that it attracts attention.

A picture may offer the same effect. It may attract the reader�s attention so that he wants to try to get more information by reading the article.