Knowra Negative space Negative space Negative space is the unoccupied area around and between forms in a composition. Its shape and distribution help define the forms and organize the image.
Figure–ground perception : The perceptual organization of a visual field into a focal figure and its surrounding ground. Negative space is perceived as ground, though attention can make it function as figure.
Whitespace (visual arts) : Unmarked or lightly occupied space in a visual design, especially around text and graphic elements. Whitespace is negative space applied to layouts, where it improves hierarchy and readability.
Positive space : The occupied forms or subjects that stand out against the surrounding area in a composition. It names the visual counterpart whose boundaries and prominence negative space helps define.
Rubin vase : An ambiguous image that can appear as a vase or as two face profiles, depending on figure–ground assignment. Its central area and surrounding profiles exchange the roles of figure and negative space.
Gestalt principles : Principles describing how people organize visual elements into coherent patterns and forms. Proximity, closure, and related principles explain how gaps group or separate forms.
Logo design : The design of distinctive visual marks that identify organizations, products, or ideas. Logos often use surrounding gaps or enclosed voids to create secondary imagery.
Minimalism : An artistic approach that reduces works to a small number of essential elements. Minimalism often emphasizes open areas, but it is a style rather than the space itself.
FedEx logo : The wordmark of FedEx, whose lettering contains a white arrow between the E and x. The arrow is formed by the negative space between adjacent letter shapes.
Visual balance : The perceived distribution of visual weight across a composition. The size and placement of empty areas can counterbalance dense or prominent subjects.
Typography : The design and arrangement of type to make written language legible and expressive. Letter spacing, margins, and line spacing use empty areas to structure reading.
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