läsidan

Läsidan is a term used in Swedish publishing and design to refer to the page or side of a spread that is intended for reading the main body of text. It is used to distinguish the primary reading surface from other pages in a layout that may include images, captions, or advertisements.

Etymology and scope: The word combines läsa, to read, with sidan, the page or side. While the concept is widely relevant in books, magazines, and newspapers, the exact interpretation of which page counts as läsidan can vary with the publication and the chosen layout. In many double-page spreads, the läsidan is the right-hand page (the recto when described in traditional printing terminology), but designers may designate a different page as the läsidan depending on the design intent and content flow.

Usage: In practice, läsidan guides layout decisions such as typography, line length, column structure, margins, and contrast to optimize readability. It helps editors and designers coordinate where text appears versus where supplementary material—images, infographics, or ads—will be placed. In educational materials, the term is often used to identify the page that contains core reading passages, with accompanying exercises or illustrations on adjacent pages.

Digital and accessibility contexts: On e-readers and online publications, the concept translates to the main text area presented for reading, as opposed to navigation elements or media-heavy sections. Clear labeling of the läsidan can support navigation and accessibility for readers.

See also: Recto and verso, typografi, publishing layout, readability.