A grid is a powerful tool that can be useful for professional designers when they are creating a user interface. Its use will increase the usability of the website and make the perception of the elements on the web resource simpler.

In this post, you will learn how to use grids, what their advantages are, and where you can download them.

What is a grid?

Grid is a tool used by top user experience designers to create interfaces. It is a set of horizontal and vertical lines located at the same distance from each other. All elements placed on the site are attached to these lines.

Also, instead of lines, there may be circles or other elements, but the “dashes” are what most designers use.

Tip: The grid is 12, 16, or 24 columnar. The fewer columns – the more free space will be between the elements. If you want to create a website with a large distance between the posted content, take a 12-column grid. Use a 16-column for standard sites and a 24 for web resources with a lot of information that needs to fit on 1 page.

The use of the grid will make the process of scanning and reading content less energy-intensive for the brain. Different grids are used for mobile and desktop versions of devices: for computers, they can be more complicated. For smartphones, primitive options are used.

Using this tool will provide the following benefits:

1. More beautiful layout. Strictly proportional and structured elements look aesthetically pleasing than scattered and randomly scattered. Using the grid in the design will allow you to quickly get the information you need, simplifying the orientation on the site.
2. Teamwork is simplified. Grids are also used by web developers. The use of a modular grid will make it easy to correct changes in the necessary blocks and save each other’s time by working in synchronization.
3. Work with the layout is faster. Following generally accepted rules will reduce the time spent on decision-making. You will know what needs to be done in a given situation.
4. The style of design becomes one. You set general rules for the distance of elements from each other, their location on the site, leveling. Adding new elements to the layout will occur according to these rules.

Where to get a modular grid?

There are two methods to get the tool. You can download it for free and legally from the relevant websites or create it yourself. Consider the pros and cons of each method.

Do-it-yourself mesh design

It is too long and complicated to do if you have no experience and it will not bring you money. However, you will have your own grid, and you can set your own rules for the elements on the layout.

Download a ready-made design

This option is quick, easy, and completely legal. However, it limits you in the possibilities set by the creator of the grid.

Tip: if you want to create a grid quickly, use a Grid Pattern application. It allows you to create grids for any resolution for desktop monitors and other screens.  The process is much easier compared to a completely independent creation, and the program will help you with the design.

Grids can also be created directly in Adobe products with the use of an application. It is free and easy to install. Instructions for implementation can be found on the official website of the extension.

A few words about vertical rhythm

A vertical rhythm is a parameter that makes the website more consistent and easy to perceive. For example, in the case of texts, there should be consistent font sizes, line spacing, vertical indentation.

Simply put, rhythm is the correct arrangement of elements on a grid. They should not go beyond it and be at strictly specified distances from each other.

Summing up

Using a grid will make life easier for the maximum number of people – you, your co-designers, and ordinary people who will consume content on the website. They are easy to use, so don’t miss the opportunity to create better products with such a simple tool.