Thursday 14 February 2013

OUGD404- Week 3- Constructions of grids

Construction of Grids



Before you can apply a grid you need to understand the purpose its for
  • Typeface
  • text & illustration
  • Print methods & stock
Always start with small sketches- Thumbnails- Sizes should be appropriate 

Before drawing thumbnails, consider how many columns there are 

One column only for text and illustration gives little freedom- restricts size of illustrations



Should use two columns ideally- 1 for text- one for image- can mix together



Three columns can be subdivided into a 6 column arrangement

Disadvantages of a 6 column grid:
  • Lines of text will be narrow
  • A small typeface will have to be used 
But ...
This solely rests on the function that is to be performed!


For graphs, figures, stats, and trend line publications, use 4 columns per page 

4 columns can be subdivided into 8, 16+

The width of a column dictates the size of the text used


The rule:

Narrower the column, smaller the typeface



Thumbnails and Development 

Make a variety!

Do not really on one set of thumbnails

Enlarge a small section of thumbnails by 1:1

Compair and repeat the process until you are confident with the design

Apply type to columns 


The first line must fit flush to the top limit of the column grid and the last line must stand on the bottom limit 

The depth of field ascertains how many point type lines are needed 

Make the gutter the height of the text












Font heights 



4 point type = 6 point leading / Caption text / A4 format

7 point type = 10 point leading / Header and footer text

Subheading - 2 lines 

Headline - 4 lines





Type and picture- 8 field grid......


A4 format:

8 + 20 grid fields 

8 grids are usually used for advertising materials 

It can be subdivided into 16 fields 

It allows various sizes of illustration to be portrayed 


The grid is only an instrument in which you as a designer can make interesting and balanced designs.


20 field grid is the best to start using - 42 possible layout options 


Different ways to create grids in Indesign



This setting allows you to create custom margins to create a more interesting page layout. For example, the distance is greater on the right to compensate for the middle of a spread. 

This option allows you to create guides horizontally across the page. You can do this manually how ever the dimensions will vary.





To create this grid, drag out a container box and split in into sections by pressing the the direction keys. Go to scripts and select add guides and Indesign will create guides on each anchor point.



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