Graphic Design

Rulers, Grids and Guides

Take a look at the following 2 banners using the same template below. Notice any differences?

Let’s add some blue guide lines to help. See anything now?

Using guide lines helps define equal spacing, sizing and alignment of objects
Let’s compare the Boise State logo in both banners
- You can see the logo on bottom is larger
- Both logos should fit within the boxes created, providing equal size and space on all 4 sides
Now let’s look at the left boxes
- Since ‘ART 100’ contains more characters than ‘ODP’ its okay for their widths to differ
  - font size for these should stay the same
- The title, ‘INTRODUCTION TO ART,’ is only 3 words and therefore 1 line
  - adjusting font size to span the width of the orange box, gives us a properly aligned text block
- The ‘ODP’ banner title is 6 words and therefore 2 lines
  - adjusting font size to span the width of the orange box, gives us a properly aligned text block
  - even spacing between ‘ODP’, the orange line, ‘ONLINE DEGREE PATHWAY’, and ‘PROGRAM RESOURCE SITE’ provides balance to the text block
  - the use of Bold for ‘ODP’ and ‘PROGRAM RESOURCE SITE’ helps tie these 2 elements together while ‘ONLINE DEGREE PATHWAY’ uses a lighter treatment to understate the fact that this is what ODP stands for—like using parentheses without having to use them
  - since the title is 2 lines it makes sense that text block would be slightly taller

By using rulers and guides in your designs, you’ll end up with more professional looking graphics!