How Many Images Can I Use With a Page of Text?

A good rule of thumb is to include no more than 3 or 4 images on a single page of text. When counting the  images, include photographs, clip art, charts, graphics, boxes and borders and decorative special effects. One or two key images that support the text will be more effective than a lot of distracting visual noise.

To reduce the number of images, try these tricks:

• Unify decorative special effects by picking one and using it throughout the document rather than changing it on each page.
• Use font size, alignment or color for emphasis rather than clip art.
• Instead of several small photos, enlarge and crop one photo so it dominates the page.
• Collect items that require reader attention into a single box with a background screen.
• If you must include many photographs to accompany one story, arrange them to indicate priority or importance.