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Graphic Design vocabulary · Typography

Baseline

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈbeɪslaɪn/nounCommon term

In graphic design, baseline means: The invisible line on which most letters sit. Letters like ‘g’ and ‘p’ go below it, and leading is measured from one baseline to the next.

In Turkish: taban çizgisi, satır tabanı

How it is used

Used in typesetting and layout. You align text to the baseline or to a baseline grid, so lines in neighbouring columns sit at the same height; you can also shift a character's baseline in software.

Example sentences

  1. The two columns don't line up because the text isn't locked to the baseline grid.

  2. Lower the ® symbol slightly so it sits closer to the baseline.

Common collocations

  • baseline grid
  • align to the baseline
  • baseline shift
  • sit on the baseline
  • leadingThe vertical distance between lines of text, measured from one baseline to the next. The name comes from strips of lead that printers once placed between lines of metal type.
  • x-heightThe height of the lowercase letters in a typeface, such as x, measured from the baseline and not counting the parts that go above or below, like in ‘h’ or ‘p’.
  • gridA hidden structure of columns, rows and margins that designers use to place elements consistently, so that pages in a book, website or campaign feel organised and related.
  • alignmentThe way elements line up with each other or with an edge, for example text set flush left, centred or justified, which helps a design look neat and connected.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Typography

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