Learning and understanding how to build a layout is one of the hardest aspects of visual design to master. Many designers have trouble grasping the concept of alignment and how to use grids to make their designs balanced and principled. The reason that grids work so well is because they help you divide content into discrete, manageable modules. This makes your content more flexible and organized. It also makes your content easier to view and experience. We will take a look at grids and how they are used to help make layouts quicker to build and more enjoyable to view.
Types of Grids
Many designers use a grid as the foundation for every one of their designs. Some will use a 12-column grid, some will use a 16-column grid, some will use a 24-column grid, and others will use anything in between. The point isn’t so much the type of grid that you use, but the fact that you use one. Grids in web design are very common, and with the implementation of responsive web design, grids have become even more important than ever. When using a grid, I prefer to use a 12 column layout. The width of each column depends on the medium (such as print or web), and the overall width of what I am designing. If I am designing something with a lot of smaller elements, I may switch to a 24-column grid. The gutter width is determined by the content itself and how much space that might be needed between each design element. If I am building a masonry-type layout, then I may only have a 1-2px gutter width. It really just depends on the application.![Grids-example 1](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/12-column-grid.jpg)
![Grids-Example 2](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/mix_match.jpg)
![Grids - UX Magazine](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-shot-2012-12-27-at-4.14.52-PM.png)
![Grids - It's Nice That](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-shot-2012-12-27-at-4.21.25-PM.png)
Grids in InDesign
Grids originated in print design, and they’re definitely still useful in the print medium. Setting up a structured grid for your print designs is simple, and it’s usually done in InDesign, but you can also set up a grid in Illustrator. In InDesign, you can determine your grid upon initially setting up your document. Simply create a new document in InDesign and the dialog box will come up with various options.![Grids - Indesign](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-Shot-2012-12-27-at-8.57.01-PM.png)
Grids in Illustrator
In Illustrator, the grid setup process is a little different. You don’t create your grid during the initial document creation period. In Illustrator, you create your document as usual, select the text tool, and draw your text area by clicking and dragging to create a text box. The difference in this method is that you will want to set up guides to determine your margins for the document. Then, you can simply snap the text box to those carefully-placed guidelines.![Grids Illustrator](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-Shot-2012-12-27-at-9.51.45-PM.png)
![Grids - Ai example](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-Shot-2012-12-27-at-9.58.52-PM.png)
![Grids - InDesign Example](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/layout.jpg)
Conclusion
Using grids in your designs is an excellent way to bring logical structure your work. Using a framework is a good way to organize information and group important elements together in order to make your content easier to experience and understand. The purpose of our work as designers is to communicate a message in the most palatable and most creative way possible, making the message stay with whoever views our design. Grids are a great way to guide our design elements, but we don’t always have to stick to the grid 100% of the time. Knowing when to break the grid structure can be a great way to create visual interest and draw attention to certain parts of your design. Do you use grids in your design work? If so, what is your favorite type of grid? Do you have a versatile grid structure that works great in many different applications? If so, share your technique in the comments section below.Frequently Asked Questions about Grid-Based Layouts
What is the significance of grid-based layouts in web design?
Grid-based layouts play a crucial role in web design as they provide a structured and organized way to arrange content on a webpage. They help in creating a visual hierarchy, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the information presented. Grids also ensure consistency across different pages of a website, enhancing the overall user experience. They are flexible and can be adapted to various screen sizes, making them ideal for responsive design.
How does a grid-based layout differ from a non-grid layout?
A grid-based layout uses a series of horizontal and vertical lines to divide a page into sections or modules. This structure allows for a systematic arrangement of elements, ensuring balance and harmony in design. On the other hand, a non-grid layout does not follow a fixed structure. Elements are placed freely, which can lead to a more creative but potentially less organized design.
What are the key components of a grid-based layout?
A grid-based layout consists of several key components. These include columns, gutters, and margins. Columns are vertical divisions of space where content is placed. Gutters are the spaces between columns, providing visual breathing room for the content. Margins are the spaces around the grid, separating it from the edge of the page.
How can I create a responsive grid-based layout?
Creating a responsive grid-based layout involves designing a grid that can adapt to different screen sizes. This can be achieved using CSS grid or flexbox properties. These properties allow you to define the number of columns and rows, their sizes, and how they should adjust when the viewport size changes.
What are the benefits of using CSS grid for creating grid-based layouts?
CSS grid is a powerful tool for creating grid-based layouts. It allows for precise control over the placement and sizing of elements, both horizontally and vertically. It also supports complex layouts that were previously difficult to achieve with other CSS layout models. Moreover, CSS grid is designed to be responsive, making it easier to create layouts that adapt to different screen sizes.
How does grid-column work in CSS grid?
The grid-column property in CSS grid is used to specify where an item should start and end along the horizontal axis of the grid. It takes two values: the start line and the end line. This allows for precise control over the placement of items within the grid.
What is the role of grid-template in CSS grid?
The grid-template property in CSS grid is used to define the structure of the grid. It allows you to specify the number and sizes of rows and columns, as well as the areas that grid items should occupy. This provides a high level of flexibility and control in designing grid-based layouts.
Can I use grid-based layouts for print design?
Yes, grid-based layouts are not limited to web design. They are also widely used in print design, such as in magazines, newspapers, and books. They help in creating a consistent and organized layout, making it easier for readers to follow and understand the content.
What are some best practices for designing grid-based layouts?
Some best practices for designing grid-based layouts include maintaining consistency, ensuring proper alignment, using appropriate spacing, and designing for flexibility. It’s also important to consider the content and the user experience when designing the grid.
Are there any limitations to using grid-based layouts?
While grid-based layouts offer many benefits, they also have some limitations. They may not be suitable for all types of content or design styles. They can also be complex to implement, especially for complex layouts or when using older CSS layout models. However, with the advent of CSS grid and flexbox, many of these challenges have been addressed.
James George is a professional web developer and graphic designer. James is an expert in design, and a professional web developer, with a special interest in WordPress. Founder of Design Crawl, James has been a professional designer since 2005.