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How to Make a Grid in InDesign

Grids are a mainstay when designing sharp compositions. Learn how to create a grid in InDesign to guide your layout placement.

By creating structure and organization, grids add a sense of rhythm and cohesion to your layout. And by taking the guesswork out of placing and moving graphics or text, grids can save you tons of time. Below we’ve outlined three different ways to make a grid in InDesign.

Note: All grids and guides in InDesign are non-printing. They’re just there to help you design.


How to Make a Grid with Guides


This method allows you to create a grid with any number of rows and columns. Here’s how:

  1. Open your document in InDesign.
  2. Go to Layout > Create Guides.
  3. Set the number of rows and columns, along with their respective gutters. (Gutters refer to the width between rows or columns.) You can also choose whether to fit your guides within the entire page or within the page margins.
  4. Click OK to apply your grid.
  5. If you want to, you can adjust each part of your grid by clicking on the vertical or horizontal line and then dragging it into a new position.

If you don’t see your guides after following the steps above, make sure they’re visible by going to View > Grids & Guides > Show Guides.


How to Make a Grid via Document Presets

Screenshot of InDesign New Document panel with columns highlighted


This method works well when you’re creating a new document and would like the margin to be accounted for in your grid. Here’s how:

  1. Create a new document in InDesign.
  2. In the Preset Details panel, create your custom grid by adjusting these fields: Column, Column Gutter, and Margins.
  3. Click Create to open your new document with the grid applied.

What Are Margins and Columns?

Margins are the space around the four edges of your document, and the size may vary depending on the size of your project. Margins create supportive gaps so there’s a cadenced look (and enough breathing room) within your layout.

Columns form the foundation for your grid. Column gutters are the spaces between two columns.


How to Make a Grid by Setting Grid Preferences

Screenshot of InDesign Preferences panel with grids highlighted


This method allows you to set a baseline grid, a document grid, or both. Here’s how:

  1. Open your document in InDesign.
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Grids (or InDesign > Preferences > Grids on Mac). 
  3. In the Grid Preferences dialogue box, adjust the settings for the baseline and/or document grid. You can adjust the color, spacing, increments, and more.
  4. Click OK to apply your grid(s).

If you don’t see your grid after following the steps above, make sure it’s visible by going to View > Grids & Guides > Show Baseline Grid (or Show Document Grid).

Baseline vs. Document Grids

baseline grid is typically used when working with text, whereas a document grid is better for objects. Baseline grids look like ruled notebook pages, and document grids look like graph paper. We suggest starting with columns of 3 or 5 when setting up a baseline grid.


Cover image via Monkey Business Images

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