A layout is the way things are arranged or organized in a space. When you see a magazine page, a website, or even your classroom, someone made decisions about where to put each element. That arrangement is the layout.

In graphic design, layout means deciding where text, images, and other elements go on a page. A newspaper editor creates a layout that puts the most important story at the top, with photos and headlines positioned to catch your eye. A website designer plans a layout that makes it easy to find the menu, read articles, and click buttons.

The word also describes the physical arrangement of spaces. The layout of a house shows where the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms are located. An amusement park's layout determines how visitors move between rides. When architects create building plans, they're designing layouts.

You might hear someone say they need to “lay out” materials for a project, meaning they'll arrange everything in an organized way before starting work. A good layout makes things easier to use, understand, or navigate. A confusing layout can make people feel lost or frustrated. When you organize your desk so you can find your pencils, books, and papers quickly, you've created a functional layout.