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Grid Systems

A defined grid system helps create consistent and responsive layouts across all devices and screen sizes.

Why it matters

Grids provide the underlying structure for your design. They eliminate guesswork when placing elements, ensuring alignment and balance. A robust grid system is essential for responsive design, allowing content to adapt gracefully from mobile screens to large desktop monitors.

Grid Playground

Adjust the grid parameters to see how columns, gutters, and margins interact to create layout structure.

Anatomy of a Grid

Columns

Vertical blocks where content is placed. Common setups are 12 for desktop, 8 for tablet, 4 for mobile.

Gutters

The empty space between columns. Helps separate content. Typically 16px or 24px.

Margins

The space between the content and the edges of the screen. Ensures content doesn't touch the bezel.

Rows

Horizontal divisions of the grid. When combined with columns, they create a modular grid.

Modules

Spatial units created by the intersection of columns and rows, used for sizing images and components.

Grid Checklist

  1. 12-Column Standard

    Use a 12-column grid for desktop layouts as it's divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 6.

  2. Fluid vs. Fixed

    Decide if columns should stretch (fluid) or stay fixed width with changing margins.

  3. Alignment

    Align text to the baseline grid for vertical rhythm, and containers to the column grid.

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