different types of grids in graphic design

#Different types of grids in graphic design series#

The first thing you should do is to choose the page format where you need to build the grid. The construction of a grid requires the following steps: It can be seen in books, magazines, websites, advertising such as posters, and many more.

It optically seeks to make the arrangement of text and images intuitive in different positions, thus creating a sense of harmonic spontaneity. Rather, it follows a flow of information. The hierarchical grid is the most different among the most common types because it does not provide a straight or repeated alignment. It is commonly used in navigation systems, tabular information, and mass printing such as forms or newspapers, among others. It is not used to generate something gridded, but rather can give flexibility of creation by creating zones for text and images. The modular grid is a combination of a columnar grid with many horizontal flowing lines, creating small spatial divisions or zones. This type of grid can be found in the editorial design of newspapers and magazines since it allows both text and images equally. Two or three columns are usually used when sketching a composition. In this type of grid, columns are used to distribute the information in a dependent or independent way, while still being equitable. That is why it is recommended to use wide margins and to choose the spacing, typography, and line spacing to allow a favorable reading. It is commonly used in the editorial design of books.ĭespite its simplicity, it can generate problems if the right decisions are not made when designing with the manuscript grid. In its secondary structure, it allows placing footnotes, and page numbers, among others. It is large and rectangular, which makes it possible to place large blocks of text within its primary structure. The following are the most common types of grids when designing: Manuscript GridĪ manuscript type grid is one of the simplest and simplest models that can be used. Grids take different kinds of models that are adapted according to the design or layout to be created. These are regions where secondary information such as page numbers, section titles or any similar content can be placed. A vertical spatial zone can be a part where the text goes, if it is horizontal, an image or photo could be set. These zones are created by joining several modules together to produce focal regions in the composition. When several modules are put together vertically they become columns and when they are horizontally they are called rows. These are individual blocks or spaces that are created by the vertical lines and flow lines. In addition, they are a kind of stop, they are indicators for placing images or texts and provide the viewer with a guide through the composition. Their function is to separate in parallel the different sections of the grid. These are horizontal lines that cross the space. Their uses are for secondary information and to give the viewer’s eye a rest. These are the empty spaces or borders that exist within the design and are the ones that define how the elements will be arranged throughout the grid. Its components are the following: Margins Image by Components of a GridĪ grid is composed of certain parts or zones that help to delimit and make it easier to use when creating. Helps efficiency, since a well-defined and well-determined design grid can save time when composing.

Provides balance even when using an asymmetrical or symmetrical grid.

Through the hierarchy of components, it gives priority to the focal point of the composition.

Allows the integration of elements avoiding information overload.

That said, the functions of the grid, as it is also known, are: When you want to print or display the final layout, the lines do not appear or are not visible. The guidelines or grid system is handled in programs when they are used to create as in InDesign, and Illustrator, among others. This structure is digital, it is only visible during the moment of designing. In design, the grids are very useful to use, as they help to organize information and as a framework in the composition to create. These lines are the guidelines for the alignment of the elements as a solution to two- or three-dimensional visual problems that may arise when composing.

#Different types of grids in graphic design series#

The grid is a series of imaginary vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines and guides that allow the distribution of the components in the space of the composition.