PDF Layout Examples & Best Practices

Creating a PDF is just the first step. The way you structure and design it is what makes it feel polished, intentional, and client-ready.

While ARTERNAL can generate a PDF automatically from your list, customizing the layout allows you to create something that feels more like a curated presentation than a system-generated export.

This guide walks through real examples and best practices to help you design stronger PDFs.

When a PDF is generated without edits, it follows a consistent structure:

For example, in the default version, each artwork is presented in the same format across pages.

This works well for quick sharing, but it can feel more like a list than a curated presentation.

By customizing the layout, you can introduce hierarchy, variation, and a stronger narrative flow.

Example: Exhibition Cover Page

As seen on page 1, the artwork fills the page and immediately draws attention

Why this works:
It creates a strong first impression and draws the viewer in right away. If simple and clean isn’t your vibe, you can always add more text; it’s really up to you and the look you’re going for!

Example: Artwork Page

The artwork page of the PDF uses a consistent artwork layout:

On page 2, the sculpture is clearly presented with its title, medium, size, and price neatly organized.

💡 The captions displayed can be edited in the Brand Profile settings

Why this works:
Consistency makes the document easy to scan and understand quickly.

Example: Detail Slide

Between artwork pages, detail or text-focused pages are introduced.

On page 4, the focus shifts to a tighter crop with descriptive text layered subtly over the image

Why this works:
It breaks repetition and gives the viewer a deeper understanding of the work.

Across the entire document:

Even as layouts shift, the overall design feels unified.

Why this works:
Consistency builds trust and makes the PDF feel professionally designed.

Example: Blank Slide

The final page shifts back to a more editorial layout, showing how a generated PDF can be transformed into a polished artist feature. The background uses a solid color instead of an image. An image of the artist is added alongside a short description.

Using a blank page allowed us to include

On page 12, the combination of portrait and text creates a strong, thoughtful ending

Why this works:
It leaves the viewer with context and a lasting impression.

Compared to the original generated PDF:

The customized version introduces:

These changes turn a functional document into a curated presentation.

New to the PDF builder?

Start with Create Presentation-Ready PDFs in ARTERNAL for a full walkthrough.

This example shows how a generated PDF can be refined into a more elevated presentation.