This deck was developed by team member Tom, along with myself, to help show the importance of using grids in design.

1. Using Grids in Page Design 1
Using Grids
in Page Layout

2. Using Grids in Page Design 2
Why use grids?
In multi-page design,
grids allow the designer
to maintain consistency
from page-to-page.

3. Using Grids in Page Design 3
History
Grids were used as
early as the 1450’s
for the layout of the
Gutenburg Bible.

4. Using Grids in Page Design 4
PROPORTIONS
The Golden Section
A number of methods were devised to create layout proportions that were the most
harmonious and pleasing to the eye. This one was created in the 17th century and was used
the explain the pleasing proportions of the Parthenon.

5. Using Grids in Page Design 5
PROPORTIONS –
Magic intersections of 3’s and 5’s
This is another method
of assuring pleasing
compositions. Make the
important elements in an
image align with a grid
of 3’s and 5’s

6. Using Grids in Page Design 6
Composition

7. Using Grids in Page Design 7
Swiss Design
In the 1960’s designers in
Switzerland began using the
grid in a very systematic
way and was the basis of
how we use the grid to
organize information today

8. Using Grids in Page Design 8
Pros and cons of grids
Grids are a great
way to organize
information and
maintain consistency.
Beware of becoming
too a slave to the grid
or you run the risk of
a design that is cold
and rigid

9. Using Grids in Page Design 9
Web Design
The principles of grids translate easily for web page design.

10. Using Grids in Page Design 10
Column Grids
The configuration of
grids is endless and
it’s matter of finding
what works best for
the particular content
of text, graphics and
images.

11. Using Grids in Page Design 11
Variety of grids
A grid that goes from 4 column to 2-column and still maintains the basic grid structure

12. Using Grids in Page Design 12
Uneven columns
Columns don’t need to be the
same width. Uneven columns
can accommodate various
kinds of information and
adapt to the hierarchy within
the layout.

13. Using Grids in Page Design 13
Conclusion
The use of grids in page layouts is essential but adaptable.
Use it to structure information but don’t let it box you in.