Baselineruudukko

Baselineruudukko is a term used in typography and layout to describe a system of horizontal alignment lines that organize text and other elements on a page or screen. The core idea is to create a consistent vertical rhythm by aligning the baselines of lines of text to a grid. The grid is defined by a baseline distance, typically the line height of the chosen type size, and can be subdivided to accommodate various block elements such as headings and captions.

In practice, designers select a base font size and a corresponding baseline grid. All text elements—body copy, captions, and sometimes headings—are aligned to the grid. Spacing in margins, paddings, and gaps is set to multiples of the grid unit. On the web, this alignment is approximated by keeping a consistent line-height and by using vertical spacing that matches the grid, often supported by grid or flexbox layouts to maintain alignment across columns.

Benefits of baselineruudukko include improved readability, a clear typographic hierarchy, and a balanced visual rhythm that remains stable across different formats and screen sizes. Limitations can arise when space is constrained, for very short lines or very large headlines, or when using variable fonts that complicate consistent baselines.

The concept is widely used in print design, such as magazines and editorial layouts, and is increasingly adopted in digital user interfaces to maintain vertical rhythm. In Finnish design discourse, baselineruudukko denotes this baseline-grid approach and its practical application in arranging text and related visual elements.