The grid is a skeletal framework of horizontal and vertical lines to define principle spaces within a format.
Similar to the outline writers use to organize ideas, the grid provides a structure for organizing text, images,
figures, diagrams – all components of a typographic composition. The grid system is an underlying structure
that helps the designer to control the precision, consistency and cohesiveness of a sequence of pages, panels
or computer screens. It gives the design solution a strong sense of order, unity and visual elegance.
The grid is a useful planning device to:
• distribute and manage a complex group of visual elements across a sequence of pages, panels, screens, etc.
• sub-divide compositional space to help regulate proportion, scale, contrast, rhythm and harmony
- Baseline/Unit Grid which is composed of a network of squares covering the whole compositional area. It is
determined by the main body or primary text linespacing or leading (baseline to baseline distance). A grid is
developed after the typeface, point size, linespacing, line length and column structure are established.
Baseline Grid Example - Composite Grid which is made by dividing the unit grid into a system of larger columns and rows. Size and
proportion of these divisions is based on appropriateness for content and readability. The composite grid
defines primary columns/margins of the composition. It does not have to be a purely mathematical division of
space into equal proportions. It can also be a customized system based on the needs of line length and
generally – content.
Composite Grid Example - Auxiliary Grid which is made by further dividing the composite grid into specific proportions. It defines
primary vertical and horizontal alignment points that provide structure, unity and continuity. The final solution
should reflect the underlying grid structure throughout the entire sequence of pages and/or screens. There may
be situations in which text typography and other elements may need to deviate from the grid or ignore the grid
altogether. See image, pull quote and drop cap below.
Auxiliary Grid Example
Assignment: Design one double page spread* (one page size = 7" x 10" vertical, so double page spread = 14"
x 10") to accommodate the supplied text and image. You must include the title, author/edited by line, and all
text, but only use ONE image. It is your choice between the Sun/Moon illustration OR the Earth photograph.
*A double-page spread or two-page spread is a set of facing pages on which the text, images or other page
elements extend from the left-hand page to the right-hand page. See example below of two spreads, the first
has the title and byline; the second has text, image and pull quote:
Example of 2 spreads - Construct an invisible unit/baseline grid based on point size and leading/linespacing of two chosen typefaces
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(one serif and one san serif). - Then develop an invisible composite and auxiliary grid to further aid the final layout of your spread
Sample Solution