One of the most important parts of designing a document is deciding on a layout grid. While you can place objects anywhere on a page, a layout grid will help you create a professional design. The layout grid is the framework of your document upon which you place objects. A grid will help you ensure that your pages are uniformly designed.

Tips for Creating a Professional Grid

Use margin guides to define the edges of the usable document area. Most objects should be placed inside these boundaries.

Use column guides to define where text column frames should be created. You may wish to create two or three times as many column guides as you need because this provides your grid with additional flexibility for placing objects. If you have not used a layout grid before, refer to a layout design book for more information on creating professional grids. (Several books are recommended in the online help system.)

Use page guides to specify where various objects will be placed. Divide the page into smaller pieces to align objects within your grid.