/content-layout

name: content-layout
description: Use when designing visual layout for Xiaohongshu carousel content, organizing information on images, creating easy-to-read text overlays, or structuring multi-slide content for maximum engagement and readability

Content Layout (内容排版)

Overview

Content layout is the strategic arrangement of visual elements, text, and information on Xiaohongshu carousel slides to create visually appealing, easy-to-consume content that guides the viewer's eye and communicates information effectively.

When to Use

**Use when**:

• Creating carousel posts (multi-slide content)
• Designing text-heavy content (tips, lists, guides)
• Organizing information visually
• Improving content readability
• Creating branded aesthetic
• Designing cover images for carousels

**Do NOT use when**:

• Single image posts (less layout complexity)
• Content is primarily visual (minimal text)

Core Pattern

**Before** (poor layout):

❌ "Text too small, can't read on mobile"
❌ "Cluttered design, no visual hierarchy"
❌ "Inconsistent fonts and colors across slides"
❌ "Slides feel disconnected, no cohesive design"
❌ "Viewers swipe past without reading"

**After** (professional layout):

✅ "Clear visual hierarchy, easy to scan"
✅ "Consistent design language across all slides"
✅ "Text is readable (even on small screens)"
✅ "Branded aesthetic, followers recognize my style"
✅ "High engagement: saves, shares, completion"
✅ "Professional look, attracts brand partnerships"

**5 Layout Principles**: 1. **Hierarchy** - Most important elements largest and first 2. **Consistency** - Unified style across all slides 3. **Readability** - Text is legible on mobile screens 4. **Balance** - Visual weight distributed evenly 5. **Whitespace** - Breathing room, not overcrowded

Quick Reference

| Layout Element | Best Practice | Tool | |----------------|--------------|------| | **Font Size** | Minimum 24pt for body text | Canva, Xingtu | | **Text Contrast** | Dark on light or light on dark | Design apps | | **Slide Count** | 5-10 slides optimal | Planning | | **Aspect Ratio** | 3:4 or 1:1 (Xiaohongshu standard) | Canva | | **Color Palette** | 2-3 colors max per carousel | Canva pro features |

Implementation

Step 1: Plan Carousel Structure

**Outline Before Designing**:

Carousel Planning Framework:

1. Define Content Purpose
   What is this carousel about?
   - Tutorial: Step-by-step guide
   - List: Top tips, products, mistakes
   - Story: Narrative arc across slides
   - Comparison: Before/after, product comparison

   Example Purpose:
   "Educational carousel teaching how to build a skincare routine
    for dry skin in 5 steps"

2. Outline Slide-by-Slide
   Slide Breakdown:

   Slide 1: Cover/Hook
   - Eye-catching title
   - Promise of value
   - Your brand/aesthetic

   Slide 2-4: Main Content (3 slides)
   - One key point per slide
   - Visually consistent
   - Progressive flow

   Slide 5: Summary/Takeaways
   - Recap key points
   - Memorable format

   Slide 6: Call-to-Action
   - What to do next
   - Link/Follow prompt

   Example Outline:
   Slide 1: "Dry Skincare Routine: 5 Steps to Hydrated Skin"
   Slide 2: "Step 1: Gentle Cleanser (why + how)"
   Slide 3: "Step 2: Hydrating Toner (why + how)"
   Slide 4: "Step 3: Hyaluronic Acid Serum (why + how)"
   Slide 5: "Steps 4-5: Moisturizer + SPF"
   Slide 6: "Save this! Follow for more skincare tips"

3. Determine Text vs Visual Balance
   Text-Heavy (Tips, Lists):
   - More text per slide
   - Bullet points, numbered lists
   - Clean background to keep focus on text
   - Generous whitespace

   Visual-Heavy (Results, Products):
   - Large images, minimal text
   - Text overlays for context
   - Emotion-driven (not information-driven)

   Balanced (Educational):
   - Equal text and visuals
   - Image + explanation per slide
   - Visual supports text, not competes

4. Plan Visual Elements
   What visuals do you need?
   - Product photos
   - Before/after photos
   - Illustrations/graphics
   - Icons (checkmarks, arrows)
   - Background colors/textures

   Visual Consistency:
   - Same photo style across all slides
   - Consistent background (color or texture)
   - Unified design elements

   Example:
   All slides:
   - White background
   - Product photo on right
   - Text on left
   - Accent color: coral pink
   - Font: Arial (clean, modern)

5. Create Design System
   Before designing first slide, decide:

   Fonts:
   - Title font: [Bold, decorative font]
   - Body font: [Clean, readable font]
   - Accent font: [For emphasis, if using]

   Colors:
   - Primary: [Main brand color]
   - Secondary: [Supporting color]
   - Accent: [Highlight color]
   - Background: [White/light gray/off-white]
   - Text: [Dark gray/black]

   Elements:
   - Icons style: [Line or filled]
   - Shapes: [Rounded corners or sharp]
   - Divider lines: [Include or not]

   Example Design System:
   Font: Poppins (modern, clean)
   Colors: Coral (#FF7F50), White (#FFFFFF), Dark Gray (#333333)
   Icons: Filled circles for emphasis
   Shapes: Rounded corners (20px radius)

Step 2: Design Individual Slides

**Create Each Slide with Purpose**:

Slide Design Templates:

1. Cover Slide (Slide 1)
   Purpose: Grab attention, promise value

   Layout:
   - Title: Large, bold, top 1/3 of slide
   - Subtitle: Smaller, supporting text
   - Visual: Product photo or illustration (bottom 2/3)
   - Branding: Your logo or handle (subtle, corner)

   Title Tips:
   ✅ Specific (not "Skincare Tips" but "5 Steps for Dry Skin")
   ✅ Benefit-driven (what they'll gain)
   ✅ Intriguing (make them want to swipe)

   Cover Slide Example:
   [Title: 5-Step Dry Skincare Routine]
   [Subtitle: Transform Your Skin in 30 Days]
   [Image: Model with glowing skin holding products]
   [Bottom: Your handle]

2. Content Slides (Slides 2-5)
   Purpose: Deliver information, one point per slide

   Layout Options:

   Split Layout:
   - Left: Text (step/title + explan