contentS > how we Look > coMpoSition > the Grid back forward Skip to next chapter  Composition 3.1 Determining the grid for any scale deLiVerabLe width (w) a basic formula determines 105mm width 8.5” width 22” width 636” width how to maintain optical consistency of the border from we want to maintain a consistent optical standard for border small to large executions. the and gutter thickness throughout all of our communications. truck applications shown here are the standard for borders can range from 2% to 5% of the for exhibit purposes only and width of the deliverable, depending on the overall size of your are not to scale. communications piece. approximately 3% is recommended for poS poster most formats. Gutters are determined by the size of the border. collateral a6 brochure 4.8% border 2.94% border 2.8% border 2% border border (b = 2% to 5% of w) Process for determining the grid Examples of how to determine the grid Step  : Measure the format width. a6 brochure coLLateraL poS poSter truck w = the width of your deliverable Step : Width (W) w = 105mm w = 8.5” w = 22” w = 636” Step : Calculate the border. border (b) = 2% to 5% of w Step : border (b = % to 5% of W) b = 5mm b = .25” b = .625” b = 13” the percentage of the width you use to calculate the border depends on the size of your communications (4.8% of w) (2.94% of w) (2.8% of w) (2% of w) piece. approximately 3% is recommended for most pieces. Smaller pieces tend to require proportionally larger border thickness, whereas larger pieces tend to require proportionally smaller border thickness. for example, a large graphic on a truck may use a border of 2%, while a small a6-format brochure may Step 3: Gutter (G = 50% of b) G = 2.5mm G = .125” G = .3125” G = 6.5” use a border of 5%. also consider the printing requirements of your piece. Many print designs require at (50% of b) (50% of b) (50% of b) (50% of b) 3 least / ” (5mm) of free space from the media edge for trim. 16 Step 3: Calculate the gutter thickness. Gutter (G) = 50% of b Step 4: Columns 5 5 5 27 Step 4: Set the number of columns. use your judgment to decide on the number of columns in your piece. always use an odd number of columns. be mindful of legibility requirements—a higher number of columns will dictate smaller text and imagery.