Typophile

Rate My Grid

jidoe

This might seem like a stupid post, but I'd like to hear your opinions on this grid I've created for a brochure (76 pages).

I've given extra space to the inside margins, set up my column gutters to 12pt, which matches the baseline grid leading. I've also set my column height to be divisible by the 12pt baseline, so I've got 61 lines fitting snug.

Are there any fine details I'm missing? I know it's hard to comment on a grid without knowing the content that will populate it, but I'm trying to get more detailed oriented with my grid structure, and thought I might be able to get some good tips here.

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Frode Bo Helland

Rate my grid? Come on dude! Try using your grid and you’ll pretty soon figure out if it works for your project. This is pointless.

jidoe

I'm just trying to develop better habits with grid planning & structure, and am looking for constructive advice on best practices.

James Michaels

Hard to evaluate a grid by itself. Put in some dummy heads and text and see how it works.

And will the pages have headers or footers? Page numbers? Those need to be in the grid too.

James Montalbano

Back in my former life as a magazine designer, I found that odd numbered column grids are much more flexible. 7, 9, 11, 13 will give you much more freedom than the 6 column grid you show.

jidoe

Thanks, good point.

Nick Shinn

I'm guessing this is for a book, as you've allowed a wider margin at the spine.
However, for the "proper" margins of a book, consult Bringhurst.

jidoe

Hi Nick, it's for a 76 page brochure, perfect bound. I think I have a copy of "The Elements of Typographic Style" laying around, I'll take a look.

Bert Vanderveen

You should do this the other way round: create a nice looking page and then try to define an underlying grid.

Joshua Langman

Hear hear.

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