Does consistency mean every post should look identical?
No. Repeat the type roles, spacing relationships, color logic, and attribution treatment. Change the composition when the message calls for a different structure. Recognition comes from a shared visual language, not a duplicated background. See the layout guide for a practical starting point.
How many templates should I start with?
Start with the recurring content jobs in your publishing plan. An explanation, an evidence-led post, and an announcement can be a useful initial family if those match your needs. Add a variant when a real repeated requirement cannot be handled clearly by the existing set.
What size should a social graphic be?
Check the current requirements for the platform and placement. Prepare a composition for each intended aspect ratio and inspect crops and interface overlays before publishing. A resized square is not automatically a successful vertical layout. Keep essential wording clear of areas that may be covered or cropped.
How many fonts do I need?
One capable family can be enough. Add a second only when it provides a clear role or useful contrast, and test the pairing with real content. Weight, scale, and spacing can establish hierarchy without introducing more families. The type pairing guide shows how to test this.
How do I check color contrast?
Measure the actual foreground and background pair with a contrast checker. WCAG 2.2 Level AA generally requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for qualifying large text, subject to exceptions. Do not rely on color alone for meaning. For text over a photograph, check the area behind the lettering, not an average of the entire image.
What should I do when the headline does not fit?
Edit the wording, use a prepared long-headline variant, or change the composition. Do not keep shrinking the text until it is unreadable. A template should document an overflow decision rather than leaving the editor to improvise under deadline.
Which design tool is best for templates?
Choose by the handoff: editor access, font availability, component controls, and export needs. Figma, Penpot, Canva, and dedicated vector or image editors support different workflows. Test a realistic editing task with the people who will actually use the file before committing to a system.
Can I use any photograph I find online?
No. Check the license, permitted use, attribution requirements, and relevant model or property permissions. Keep a record of the source and terms. Finding an image through a search engine does not grant permission to reuse it. Font and illustration licenses also need attention.
Is alternative text enough to make a graphic accessible?
Not by itself. Use readable text, sufficient contrast, meaningful labels, and an equivalent explanation in the surrounding post. Write alternative text appropriate to the image’s purpose. For a complex chart or process, provide the important details in accessible text rather than expecting a brief image description to carry everything.