Beatnik art using "words" to make up a vulgar sentiment. (Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives, ArtBkRm BeatMAG PS1-pw556 no. 2, Spring 1968.)

Arrangement of words was significant in the art of the Beat Movement because it combined literature and visual art into one, further challenging the norms in literature. In poetry and other art, words were arranged to accentuate the message of the words. For some works, words were made into the lines of a drawing, where others used line placement to emphasize a certain word or phrase.

In the image on the right, the artist used the word "WORDS" to critique the emphasis put on individual words, while the arrangement of the text forms a phrase expressive of the beatnik attitude toward superficiality. This particular piece also demonstrates word choice, as the artist intentionally used "WORDS" instead of descriptive words, which ultimately gave the impression of mocking the emphasis placed on words. This, in turn, put weight on the arrangement of the words.

Word arrangement was a key technique in a lot of poetry, as well, used to express various attitudes and feelings. For example, the way in which a line cut off or started a new line with a large indent could indicate a shift. Another example would be lines with a single word, intended to make the readers eyes jump word to word, resulting in a sense of urgency and hurry. In a general sense, word arrangement deviating from the typical uniform lines became a way for beatniks to break the system and challenge the superficial normalities prevalent in the era.