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Graphic Design vocabulary · Layout & Grids

Rule of thirds

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˌruːl əv ˈθɜːrdz/phraseCommon term

In graphic design, rule of thirds means: A composition guideline that divides an image or layout into a three-by-three grid and places important elements on the lines or where they cross, rather than in the centre.

In Turkish: üçler kuralı

How it is used

Used in photography, layout and video. You use, follow or break the rule of thirds; many cameras and cropping tools can show a thirds grid. It is a guideline, not a strict law.

Example sentences

  1. Crop the photo using the rule of thirds so the model's eyes sit on the top line.

  2. This cover breaks the rule of thirds on purpose: everything is perfectly centred.

Common collocations

  • follow the rule of thirds
  • break the rule of thirds
  • rule of thirds grid
  • crop to the rule of thirds
  • compositionThe overall arrangement of shapes, images, text and space in a design or picture, and how they work together to lead the eye and create a feeling.
  • focal pointThe part of a design that attracts the eye first and holds attention, often created with size, colour, contrast or position.
  • balanceThe way the visual weight of elements is spread across a design so that it feels stable. Balance can be symmetrical, with mirror-like halves, or asymmetrical.
  • 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.

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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