Designing with a Grid The key to good layout design

The Grid  A one column grid is very simple. It is one column that contains both text and images  Often used in novels  The single column is contained within the margins on either side of the column  A one column grid is very simple. It is one column that contains both text and images  Often used in novels  The single column is contained within the margins on either side of the column

The Single Grid  Here is a single column grid with increased spacing in the margin.  The column width is more inviting to read  The adequate margin/white space makes the type less overwhelming  Here is a single column grid with increased spacing in the margin.  The column width is more inviting to read  The adequate margin/white space makes the type less overwhelming

Two and Three Column Grids  Multiple column grids allow for more flexibility and creative use of space.  Most magazines and illustrated books use 2+ columns in their design  Text and images may occupy one or more columns  Illustrations may even run off the page. This is called a bleed  Multiple column grids allow for more flexibility and creative use of space.  Most magazines and illustrated books use 2+ columns in their design  Text and images may occupy one or more columns  Illustrations may even run off the page. This is called a bleed

Two and Three Column Grids  The columns that make up a grid can vary in width. There has to be a set margin between columns that is consistent throughout the design

Two and Three Column Grids  Here is a three column grid design  Ample space is left at the top of the page for chapter heads  2 columns are used for text and illustrations  The narrow column is used for captions  Here is a three column grid design  Ample space is left at the top of the page for chapter heads  2 columns are used for text and illustrations  The narrow column is used for captions

Two and Three Column Grids  Some publications use more than one grid. However, certain margins are shared in these formats to provide visual consistency

Components of a Print Design  Display Type: the type used to attract attention, usually above 14 points in size  Text Type: Main Body type usually 14 points are smaller  Captions: Explanatory text accompanying illustrations or other images  Folios: Page number  Illustrations: General term for any form of a drawing, diagram, photographs, or colored images that serve to enhance a printed piece  Display Type: the type used to attract attention, usually above 14 points in size  Text Type: Main Body type usually 14 points are smaller  Captions: Explanatory text accompanying illustrations or other images  Folios: Page number  Illustrations: General term for any form of a drawing, diagram, photographs, or colored images that serve to enhance a printed piece

Two Page Spread  A two-page spread is a printing convention that represents leading and trailing pages in a bound or folded project such as a book, booklet, newsletter, or greeting card. Often, the pages in a two-page spread mirror one another.