Why Does the Paper Have Margins?

Why do we have Margins on Paper?

Blue lines in the notebook make it easier to write stuff down horizontally. It is believed that margins were created to leave space for teachers’ remarks which is not entirely true. The original reason was to protect papers from rats that could eat pieces of information along with the paper. Therefore people began to leave empty spaces around the corners, where the damage commonly happened.

Why is there a Margin in a Notebook?

A margin in a notebook refers to the blank space left along the edges of each page, typically on the top, bottom, left, and right sides. This space remains empty and unlined, providing a clear separation between the main content of the page and the edges. Margins serve several important purposes:

1. Aesthetics: Margins create a neat and organized appearance for the content on the page. They prevent text and drawings from crowding the edges and help maintain a visually pleasing layout.
2. Readability: Ample margins improve the readability of the content by providing space for the eyes to rest. They prevent the text from getting too close to the edges, reducing the risk of accidentally covering or smudging the content.
3. Notes and Annotations: Margins offer a convenient area for taking notes, jotting down ideas, or making annotations related to the main content of the page. This additional space allows for the expansion of ideas or reactions without cluttering the primary area.
4. Binding: In notebooks that are bound or stapled, margins ensure that the content near the edges is not obscured or damaged during the binding process. This prevents text or images from being cut off or difficult to read.
5. Customization: Margins allow individuals to personalize their notebooks by adding small doodles, decorative elements, or other creative touches without interfering with the primary content.

The Real Story Behind

The notebook margins were invented because of mice. They like to eat notebook paper.

Writing in the notebook from left to right is the common method of writing, every piece of information is essential, and this is the main objective of writing down everything. What will happen if that information isn’t safe in the notebook? Margin comes to the rescue so that you can leave some space even if hungry rats or mice eat the paper. Your information remains safe.

Papers that are lying around could become the meal for those rodents. They can bite and tear any paper. They have only one solution to secure their written work adding red margin lines to stop rats from making their notebooks as a snack.

Why Are Notebook Margin Lines in Red?

Notebook margin lines are commonly in red for practical and aesthetic reasons. Here’s why:

1. Distinction and Visibility: Red stands out distinctly from the black or blue ink used for the main content of the page. This contrast makes it easier for users to identify and differentiate the margins from the primary writing area.

2. Clarity and Organization: Red margin lines create a clear boundary between the main content and the margins. This organization helps maintain a neat and structured appearance, making it easier for users to read and navigate the page.

3. Functional Purpose: The red color helps users quickly locate the margins when they want to jot down notes, make annotations, or add extra information to the page. The red lines serve as a visual cue for where these additional elements can be placed.

4. Aesthetic Appeal:  Red margin lines enhance notebook pages’ visual appeal by adding color and contrast with the main content, enhancing overall design and layout.

5. Tradition and Convention: Red margin lines have been a long-standing tradition in notebook design. Over time, it has become a convention that many notebook manufacturers continue to follow.

It’s worth noting that not all notebooks have red margin lines. Some notebooks may have margin lines in other colors or no margin lines at all. The choice of colors and design elements may vary depending on the notebook’s intended purpose, target audience, and brand aesthetics.
Have you ever wondered why a notebook’s writing lines are in blue and the margin in red? John J. Pleger’s book Bookbinding and Its Auxiliary Branches affirms this makes your notebook more easily made. The color theory further states that the red line indicates the necessary attention to know where to stop, whereas the blue lines are faint but visible enough to guide you to write correctly.

Another theory explained that blue lines are created not to show up on Xerox machines. Photocopies can give a neat look by showing the words, which are meant to pay attention to words alone.