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Graphic Design vocabulary · Layout & Grids

Grid

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ɡrɪd/nounCore term

In graphic design, grid means: A 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.

In Turkish: grid, ızgara sistemi, kılavuz ızgara

How it is used

A basic concept in editorial, web and brand design. You set up, follow, break or align to a grid; designers talk about a 12-column grid, a modular grid or a baseline grid.

Example sentences

  1. We used a 12-column grid for the website so the layouts adapt easily to tablets.

  2. This image breaks the grid on purpose to create some tension on the page.

Common collocations

  • set up a grid
  • 12-column grid
  • modular grid
  • break the grid
  • grid system
  • layoutThe way text, images and other elements are arranged on a page, screen or poster, including their size, position and the space between them.
  • gutterThe space between two columns of a grid, or the inner margin of a book or magazine where the pages meet at the binding.
  • marginThe empty space between the content and the edges of a page or screen. It frames the content and keeps important text away from where the paper is cut or bound.
  • 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: Layout & Grids

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