Layout & Principles · Layout & Grids
Grid
also known as grid system, layout grid
A grid is a structure of intersecting vertical and horizontal guides that designers use to place elements consistently. It brings order, rhythm, and alignment to a design so pages feel balanced rather than random. Grids are usually invisible in the final product but shape everything on the page.
Don't confuse it with
A grid is the underlying framework of guides; a layout is the finished arrangement of content on the page. The grid is the tool, the layout is the result.
In the wild
A news website uses a 12-column grid so headlines, images, and sidebars all line up.