Are grids still relevant?
Tuesday’s Design Tip for Graphic Designers
With the computer and page layout programs, it’s now easier than ever to use the grid in your layout. And yet, few and fewer designers are using them.
So why aren’t more people using them? Honestly, I have no idea.
Most designers think of grids as boring and being too rigid. But, in reality a good grid will help you structure your work. It helps you build a foundation for your design.
We usually see grids used in newspaper and magazines. Those are obvious. But changing the number of grid columns can really give you a lot of flexibility in your layouts.
The main reason to use grids is for consistency. The grid is the invisible foundation of your layout. You can create it using margins, guides, and columns (and for tables and depending on the layout, rows).
You don’t see it, but as a designer it helps you position all the elements in your design and keeps everything in order.
Creating grids
Here, the sky is the limit. Your grid can include 2, 3, 4 and even 6 columns (heck, I’ve even seen 7!) The more columns you have, the more flexibility you have in your design.
You can then include headers and footers and other repetitious elements in your designs (like borders, lines/rules, text and pictures).
Breaking the grid
Once you’ve created the grid, you can break it. I know, it sounds like a contradiction to what I previously wrote. But, the grid really is a guideline. Then, you may consciously decide that elements need to cross over some columns, extend off the page, or carry on to the next page.
C O N C L U S I O N :
Grids are not only great for print design, but also web design. The grid lends itself to web design, especially for newbie designers.
Thinking in terms of grids helps you compartmentalize the information you want to appear on the page. It helps organize the pictures and text you need as well.
For visitors to your website, it helps provide a structure, stability, and consistency. It provides a framework for your site and helps it appear more organized.
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