A simple grid for graphic design

A useful grid answers two questions: where should the eye start, and what should it look at next? You can start with a margin, a few columns, and a small set of spacing values.

Start with the hierarchy

Make one piece of information clearly dominant. Use size and position to separate the title from the supporting text, then check whether the hierarchy is still clear when you remove color.

Reuse alignments

Line up the title, text and images along a few shared edges. A repeating edge makes separate elements feel related. Keep the space between related items smaller than the gap between sections.

Make one deliberate exception

An image can extend past a column to draw attention. Try the layout with and without that decision, then keep the version that best directs attention to the information people need.