APPENDIX I – Grids

A grid is an underlying series of vertical and horizontal lines that guide where you place type and other elements on the page. It helps create a unified appearance on your page, in your publication, and between documents in a series.

One column
One column grids are most suitable for letters, memos, and reports. tip: use wide margins, 11 to 13 pt. type, extra leading between lines, white space (because long lines are harder to read, and dense-looking copy is uninviting)

Multi column Two and three column grids are well suited for newsletters, catalogs, handbooks. tip: you can use the classic 10 pt. type size on 12 pt. leading/line spacing, and elements such as photos or headlines can cross over columns to create visual interest and identify key or important elements.

Other grids can be very complex and are more common in newspapers and some magazines.