Grid

A Grid is a skeletal network of lines which establishes a system for arranging elements and content within a format be it a piece of paper, digital screen, or other environment.

A well-made grid encourages the designer to vary the scale and placement of elements without relying wholly on arbitrary or whimsical judgments. The grid offers a starting point for each composition, converting blank area into structured fields. A grid can work quietly in the background, or it can assert itself as an active element.

Grids can be simple divisions of the format into equal parts, or it can be a complex network with many guiding lines. Grids intend to create consistency and order however, the designer may choose to break away from a grid at certain times for moments of intentional impact.

Common Ratios

Golden Ratio: AKA the Golden Section was conceived over 2,000 years ago and was considered the most proportionally balanced and therefor the most pleasing ratio.

Rule of Thirds: A concept that suggests, in a rectangular or square format, that the division of space into thirds will create an optimal distribution of power points.

Grid Systems

A Grid System is a grid or collection of grids used to standardize the organization of content in various scenarios. You might have one grid for a full two-page spread, or a grid to open a new chapter of a book.

Modular Grid: A modular grid utilizes margins and gutters to define spaces for text and image content on a page. Designers can choose to ignore or utilize module spaces for holding content. The margin is the outer negative space that protects the content from the edge of the format, while the gutter is the inner negative space that separates elements from each other.