in progress 10/4

In S26/F26, we’ve finally started getting data stories in print! See the content below to optimize our charts for better reader experience. Thanks to the lovely NYT alumni who provided insight on how to print graphics.

Making charts readable for print

No background color

• Background colors are fine to have online! In print, background colors will be removed for readability and color contrast
  • Note: can select ‘transparent download’ in Flourish when you download the image

Contrasting colors

• See ‣ for how to craft accessible graphics
• Another trick is to put the graphic in baclk & white - if there’s a clear contrast, the graphics should be okay for print!
• Design may also work with us on colors for print for visual appeal! (such as matching colors with the cover image)

Avoid long footnotes where possible

• Longer text at the bottom is harder to incorporate in print + no one wants to read tiny text
• Some footnotes are needed! Consider putting others (data context, significant numbers) as a subheading, in the article body, on the chart itself as appropriate
  • ie: If a footnote discusses axis units, try to have the axis be in the actual units instead of saying “in thousands”
  • Does not need to be changed online - this is purely for print readability purposes

Avoid legends where possible

• For simple pie charts + bar charts, try to include the labels on the chart itself rather than including a legend

Sending charts to Design

Early notice

• Data editors → MOE should let Design know about an incoming piece for print at least 1 week before print
  • Papers are printed for Wed - a typical piece needs to be included by Sunday night on the Print Story List
  • Data also needs to let Design know sooner via slack / text
• Send public view link → Design makes copy & edits on their end
  • Download as JPEG
  • 344 pixels width (2 columns)
  • Transparent background