gridsguide

Gridsguide is an online reference resource that documents grid-based design and planning practices. It collects concepts, rules, and examples of grid systems used across graphic design, user interface layout, cartography, and urban planning. The aim is to provide a common vocabulary and practical guidance for creating balanced, scalable layouts.

Content covers definitions of grid types, including column grids, modular grids, and hierarchical grids, along with principles of alignment, spacing, typographic rhythm, and responsiveness. It offers tutorials, reference diagrams, and interactive tools to simulate grid configurations for different media. The repository also presents case studies showing how grids influence composition and readability in websites, maps, and built environments.

Gridsguide is a community-driven project. Contributions come from designers, educators, planners, and students. Submissions are reviewed for clarity and accuracy, and the core team coordinates editorial guidelines. The project favors an open-license model to encourage reuse and adaptation with attribution.

Since its inception in the early 2020s, gridsguide has grown through partnerships with design schools, urban-planning programs, and professional associations. It is used by learners and professionals as a practical reference and teaching resource. While it emphasizes structure and efficiency, it also notes the need for flexibility when context or user needs demand deviation.