What is Layout Grids in UI design?

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A layout grid is a tool used by designers to create consistent layouts. Grids can be used for web and print design and are essential to any designer’s toolkit. Layout grids help ensure elements are correctly aligned and spaced, making it easier to create responsive design’s that look good on various screen sizes.

 

What is a Grid?

In its simplest form, a grid consists of a series (vertical or intersecting), which divides a page into modules or columns. This structure allows designers to organize the content. Although the grid lines aren’t always visible, in some designs they are. However, the structure will enable you to control the proportions of the elements on the page. It can be thought of as a skeleton that a designer uses to organize graphic design elements.

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What are Grid layout types?

There is two main type of grid layouts.

  • Symmetric
  • Asymmetric

Symmetric Grids are often based on a central line. They allow designers to arrange all content around that center point or axis. Designers can create a layout that is both functional and visually pleasing by using equal columns or rows.

Asymmetric grids are also known as broken grids. However, they do not have a center line or point. Designers can create an interesting yet well-organized page layout with an asymmetric grid. This is an excellent option for designers who want to make a unique and personal UI design for their users.

 

What is a Responsive grid layout?

A responsive grid layout allows you to scale the grid layout for different screen sizes in UI design. The responsive grid layout allows you to view the page content on multiple devices and platforms, unlike the fixed grid layout, which can only be viewed on one device. This is a critical component for designers who wish to create responsive projects.

 

What is the anatomy of Grid?

No matter how complex or simple, all grids share some common elements and parts.

Gutters

A gutter is a space between columns that separates elements from content. Gutter widths can be fixed but can vary depending on breakpoints. For larger screens, bigger gutters will be appropriate, while smaller gutters can be used for mobile screens.

Margin

This refers to the left and right outermost parts of the screen. The margins of a grid should be different from where the content should be. This can be fixed, expressed as a percentage screen width, or can change at different breakpoints.

Format

Format refers to the place where the design is placed. The format is the page in a paper book. The format on the internet is the size of your browser window.

Alleys and columns

In its most basic form, a grid is composed of two components: alleys and columns. The building blocks of grids are columns. Alleys are the space between columns. Also, columns and alleys together make up the screen’s horizontal width.

Modules

Modules are space units created by the intersection of a row and a column.

 

Four common layout grids that you can use

 

Manuscript Grid

The simplest type of grid structure is the manuscript grid. It is a large rectangular area that takes up most space within a format. Manuscript grids can be used to create continuous blocks of text. They can also be used for images to fill in the gaps.

Because of their name, many people associate manuscript grids and the printed page. Manuscript grids were traditionally used in books. They are an excellent layout for presenting text blocks in continuous blocks.

Column Grid

Multicolumn grids have a few columns, as the name implies. This simple rule applies: The more columns you create, the more flexible and adaptable your Grid will be.

Column grids can be useful for layouts with discontinuous information. Multicolumn grids allow you to create zones for different types of content. You can, for example, use one column to illustrate something.

Modular Grid

A multicolumn grid divides a page vertically into several columns. However, a modular grid subdivides the page horizontally and vertically into modules. The rows and columns and the alleys between them create a matrix of cells or modules. Modular grids can be used when you need more control over complex layouts than column grids.

Baseline Grid

A baseline grid is an underlying structure that guides the vertical spacing of a design. It is used for both horizontal alignment and hierarchy. A baseline grid can be used to create consistency in your layout, much like you would use modules and columns as guides. 

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What is Layout Grids in Interaction Design?

Interaction design has changed how we think about grids. Interaction design can be a variety of sizes. People often use multiple devices to complete a single task when using a product. Designers must arrange content in an intuitive, easy-to-follow way, regardless of screen size. Layout grid system’s are one way to achieve this. 

Interactive design is easier when a layout grid is used. It defines the structure of a design and how each component reacts to breakpoints. This Grid is easier to design for different resolutions and screens. Digital product design uses grid system’s to organize elements and connect spaces.

 

How can grid layouts be used to enhance your UI design?

Let’s now see how to create a grid layout after learning about the many benefits of a well-organized grid layout. These are some tips to keep in mind in grid layout creation:

Modify columns and rows

Visual designers often ask these questions when designing with grids:

  1. How many columns and rows should you use?
  2. Which column width and row height should you choose?
  3. Do you need to adjust the block size?

This would make it easier to customize these properties according to your layout needs.

To align elements, use a baseline grid.

A baseline grid is a dense grid with equally spaced horizontal lines. It can be used to align text, images, and cards on your page. This tool is useful for creating clear, near-typographical typography and improving the visual hierarchy of your design.

Do not place elements in the gutter.

Place elements within a grid field to ensure page elements are well-organized and aligned.

Attention to margin, spacing, and other factors

It can significantly impact how the Grid works by changing the spacing between elements and the margins outside of grids.

Responsive design effect

Responsive design has become a favored design trend. Responsive design is a key feature of grid design. Design in percentages or proportions to ensure your grid layout works across all screen sizes.

Use the right grid layout generator/tool.

To customize the grid layouts that you want for your project, use a grid-layout tool. 

1- Pen and paper: You may be required to sketch your grid layout with a pen or paper. You can map everything that comes to mind.

2- Mockplus: Mockplus is an online platform for product design. It offers an auto grid layout that allows users to customize every column, row, gutter, and block easily.

3- Layoutit: Layoutit is an online CSS grid generator. It allows you to choose your grid areas and add columns and rows. You can also name your grids using a few clicks. You can download the code or share the Grid with your team after creating the grid design.

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