Designing divider pages

Yearbook divider pages are just that: they divide the book topically. Generally showstoppers, these spreads share similar layouts as they introduce the content within while reinforcing the yearbook theme. While they aren’t the pages over which students argue for editing rights, they hold deep editorial power. Divider pages enforce the book’s identity while giving each section a voice.

Use Dividers to Develop Your Theme

Yearbook theme development starts on the cover and flows through the book visually and verbally. It wows on designated theme pages. These pages include

• Opening and closing
• Table of contents
• Divider pages

Independent of the book, these theme pages form a cohesive “brand” package for your year. They repeat and reflect cover elements. They have the same voice. They develop the story of the year through copy and visuals. Each divider reflects the theme and shows how it impacts that section.

Do epic dividers mean you no longer have to include theme elements throughout the book? Think again. They’re just one more way to level up your design.

An Example from Magnolia Middle School

From the start, the book is gold and black, with pops of the school color, red. The simple title page has the theme "Stay Gold" and the school information. The iconic 50-year-old Magnolia Grove walkway is the only original part of the school remaining after a major renovation. The yearbook team re-visits the grove for the closing page.

Here are the divider pages. Notice how they created a unified narrative:

• Magnolia repeats key elements: script font, circular callout for pull quotes, and gold dots.
• The new building is the visual feature and showcases how students impact each area.
• Wordplay: “The Golden Age of the Bulldogs,” “The Gold Standard,” “Shining Example,” “Shine On,” and “Thanks a Bullion” all tie back to the book’s theme, “Stay Gold.” (Fun fact: the book is built using Treering’s free yearbook theme with the same name.)

Essential Yearbook Sections

Like a table of contents, divider pages help readers navigate the yearbook. They help reset and refocus readers. 

Most yearbooks include designated sections for

• People (portraits)
• Academics
• Student life
• Organizations and clubs
• Athletics
• Reference (index, ads, and teams)

You may further divide with lower/upper school, fall/winter/spring sports, or even subject dividers for larger campuses. 

Creating Divider Pages

Consistency is key when designing divider pages, OK any yearbook spread. While each divider should highlight a unique section, they should all share common design elements to maintain a cohesive look. These elements can include using the same fonts, color palette, and layout style across all dividers. Repeating theme elements, such as graphics or photo styles, help reinforce the yearbook's identity while keeping readers oriented.