Grids: A great way to organize your layout

   Today's topic is: Grids: A great way to organize your layout

People prefer organized visual information. 

Newsletters, magazines, brochures, annual reports, web pages, digital interfaces, and e-books often

have many visual elements: columns of text, headlines, photos, illustrations, etc. Grids are used to make it easier for the designer to provide the consistent look and unity that readers often expect. Just think of grids as a plan or blueprint for your layout. 

Using grids does not make a layout boring, rather, if used properly, they can offer a variety of creative design options. For example, to create a more interesting design, put together 2 grids or within the same publication or page. This gives it a more interesting look. 

Things that pair with grids include: 

Margins: Margins define the outside boundary of your page. They frame the content of your pages. Margins

may not be equal all around (but are normally consistent from page to page or panel to panel).

Alleys: When you divide the interior space of your page into uniform parts, the white space between units are

alleys. Depending on how you've set up your grid the alleys may run horizontally, vertically, or both

directions on your page.

Gutters: In a two page or two panel spread, the gutter is the inside margin. It's the space on either side of the

fold.

Grid Units: Grid units are the primary locations on your page where you will place text and images. They

determine the placement of your information on the page. 

In my opinion, grids are a very helpful element to use for graphic design because it provides unity, and consistency on the layout. It also organizes the information and increases readability. So remember, always use grids when designing layouts!

ASM2O Slides: Unit 2