Using a Grid
Shortcut - Ctrl+' (apostrophe) will turn your grid off and on.
What is a grid, and how can it improve your design?
Which one is a better design, and why?
If you picked the image on the left you're fired.
Seriously though, it's important that everything in your designs be consistent. Sometimes having a scattered layout or design can be okay, but it must be a logical and thoughtful decision when doing so. So, how do you line stuff up using a grid? Easy! Read below to see how you do it.
1. Let's start with opening Photoshop, and whatever current assignment you're working on.
2. Next, make sure your rulers are turned on. If you don't see them press Ctrl+R.
You can right-click the ruler to change the type of measurement.
3. Next you'll need to access the menu for your grid. Double-click the ruler to open the preferences menu. Then select Guides, Grids, and Rulers.
4. Now look at the Grid section on the menu. Check out the picture to see what the options do.
A. Lets you set the size of the main grid.
B. Lets you set the measurement type.
Use inches for print and pixels for web/digital.
C. Select a grid color.
D. This will divide your main grid squares into smaller squares. Setting it to 1 = no subdivisions. The example picture will divide a 1 inch square into 4 smaller sections each equaling 1/4 inch.
5. When you've set your options click OK to exit the menu.
6. When turned on you will see the grid. The solid lines measure 1 inch, and the dotted lines represent 1/4 inches. When moving objects around on the grid you will notice that they "snap" to lines. This helps you line things up perfectly.
For Graphic Design
Setup a 1 inch grid with 4 subdivisions.
Turn on your grid and move your images so 2 sides are on the grid line.
STOP, show the teacher what you have done so far.
Digital Design - Turn in your assignments here.