Job:03171 Title:Typography Referenced (Rockport)
Page: 221
206-233 03171.indd 221 9/23/11 5:24 PM
Text
Job:03171 Title:Typography Referenced (Rockport)
Page: 221
221
Typographic Principles
Anatomy of a Grid
Grid Types
The Cartesian grid system uses hor-
izontal lines across an X-axis that
intersects vertical lines on the Y-axis.
These intersecting lines create
individual modules that provide
a framework in which designers
can insert words and images. Each
module becomes part of a larger
system, such as columns and rows
(for example, fi ve modules makes
up one column). That larger system
becomes a tool—rather than a hin-
drance—for relating visual elements
to each other. When used success-
fully, the tool can help designers
achieve compositional unity and
variety, as well as functionality.
BOOK AND MANUSCRIPT GRID
Grids used for books and manu-
scripts typically have the fewest
complexities, but constructing
them takes time and forethought.
Because books are usable, highly
interactive pieces of design,
proportional relationships should
happen between the inside, outside,
top, and bottom margins, such
that readers can grasp the book’s
pages without obscuring the text
they’re reading.
Traditionally, book-length works
have one text column per page and
allow enough room at the top and
bottom for page numbers, author
name, and title. Giving readers
enough room at the left and right
sides to hold the book is also a
functional measure to consider.
COLUMNAR GRID
Columnar grids can have any
number of vertical divisions across
the format, with as few as one per
page. Though fewer fl owlines (hori-
zontal lines) across each page make
columnar grids less fl exible, the
decision-making and layout pro-
cesses become much easier for the
designer. This example shows how
the blocked tan-colored content
could sit in a full-column length
() or be broken into separate ele-
ments ().
MODULAR GRID
A series of horizontally and verti-
cally aligned modules create the
structure on which text and image
can reside.
Top Margin
Bottom Margin
Top Margin
Bottom Margin
Vertical IntervalGutter
Column
Left Margin
Right Margin
Module
Flowline
Horizontal
Interval
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