Tufte Bootstrap

One of the most distinctive features of Tufte's style is his extensive use of sidenotes. These appear in the margin, keeping the main text focused.

The writing style prioritizes clarity, reducing complexity in both writing and presentation. Sentences flow logically into paragraphs, forming coherent narratives rather than fragmented ideas. Lists are avoided unless essential for the meaning of the text. Instead, clear sentences and paragraphs are encouraged to build a sequential and cohesive understanding.

Figures and notes are tightly integrated with the text. Sidenotes and margin notes provide supplementary information while remaining visually and contextually linked to the main content. Figures are placed close to the relevant discussion, avoiding separate sections.

Sidenotes, margin notes, footnotes, and asides serve complementary but distinct roles in enhancing text. Sidenotes are annotations or supplementary information positioned in the margin near the related text, allowing readers to access additional details without disrupting their flow through the main content. They are especially useful for brief clarifications or citations. Margin notes, similar to sidenotes, occupy the same spatial area but often lack numerical references, making them more suited to informal commentary or visually separated explanations. Footnotes, on the other hand, are traditionally placed at the bottom of a page, requiring readers to glance away from the main text, which can disrupt engagement. However, they remain essential for detailed references or elaborate discussions that cannot comfortably fit alongside the text. Asides are broader in scope, functioning as a distinct break from the narrative to provide tangential information, anecdotes, or parenthetical thoughts. While all these elements enrich the reader's experience, their proper use depends on balancing the additional context they provide with the need to preserve the narrative's readability and flow.

Margin Figures

A margin figure is essentially a sidenote that contains a figure.

Tight integration of graphics with text is central to Tufte's work even when those graphics are ancillary to the main body of a text. In many of those cases, a margin figure may be most appropriate.