Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Grids use vertical and horizontal thresholds to indicate divisions of space and to provide
a way for designers to determine how the interior proportions of a page should be used.
They provide a structure within which to organize both text and image and allow diverse
compositional elements to exist in a layout with a degree of order and visual harmony.
Grids come in many different forms. When creating a grid system, designers may use
their intuition, or they may base the grid on established rules of space or commonly used
sizing systems such as square or double square, and the European proportion of A paper
sizes. Grids can be created with specific content in mind or as part of a system that is
designed to give unity to diverse content. They are expandable and can be made up of
equal unit sections, or can be composed from a combination of units of varying propor-
tion. In some cases, two or more grid systems can be used together for one document or
several rela-ted grids may be used for deliverables that are part of a series.
Defining Variables
Grids systems can be used to define the following variables: margin width, proportion of
areas on a page, number and size of columns, position of images, headings, body text,
and the placement of folios and footnotes.
Uses for Grids
Books, magazines, Web pages, annual reports, brochures, timetables, posters, catalogs,
advertising campaigns, and signage systems all benefit from the use of a grid system.
Why use a Grid?
One benefit of using grids is that they can create a sense of continuity across a
sequence of pages or a range of deliverables in the same campaign or series. Another
is speed; grids are a powerful tool for organizing information and laying out pages
quickly. Finally, in the case of single-page compositions, they can help a designer create
visual harmony and aesthetically connect diverse compositional elements.
Grids are not only a valuable tool for designers, they are also useful to readers/viewers.
In sequential documents, the use of an organizational system allows viewers to move
through content easily. This is especially true of layouts that contain a combination of
complex visual elements.
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