push the text away from the edges. Some computer algorithms can detect the edges of an object that contain transparency and flow content around contours. Front-end versus back-end With modern media content retrieval and output technology, there is much overlap between visual communications (front-end) and information technology (back-end). Large print publications (thick books, especially instructional in nature) and electronic pages (web pages) require meta data for automatic indexing, automatic reformatting, database publishing, dynamic page display, and end-user interactivity. Much of the metadata (meta tags) must be hand-coded or specified during the page layout process. This divides the task of page layout between artists and engineers, or tasks the artist/engineer to do both. More complex projects may require two separate designs: page layout design as the front-end, and function coding as the back-end. In this case, the front-end may be designed using an alternative page layout technology such as image editing software or on paper with hand rendering methods. Most image editing software includes features for converting a page layout for use in a "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) editor or features to export graphics for desktop publishing software. WYSIWYG editors and desktop publishing software allow front-end design prior to back-end coding in most cases. Interface design and database publishing may involve more technical knowledge or collaboration with information technology engineering in the front-end. Sometimes, a function on the back-end is to automate the retrieval and arrangement of content on the front end. Design elements and choices Page layout might be prescribed to a greater or lesser degree by a house style which might be implemented in a specific desktop publishing template. There might also be relatively little layout to do in comparison to the amount of pagination (as in novels and other books with no figures). Typical page layout decisions include: Deciding on the number and size of columns and gutters (gaps between columns) Placement of intentional whitespace Size and position of images and figures Size of page margins Use of color printing or spot color for emphasis Use of special effects like overlaying text on an image, runaround and intrusions, or bleeding an image over the page margin Specific elements to be laid out might include: Boxouts and sidebars, which present information as asides from the main text flow Chapter or section titles, or headlines and subheads Image captions Notes like footnotes and end notes; bibliography,