Typography Definitions

Grids

A grid is made up of lines that break the space into equal units. They are used to control what is placed where while still giving the designer leeway to do what they want.

Why use Grids?

Designers use grids to help organize the space that they have to work with. It helps create an overall unity on the page.

Modular Grids

A modular grid is made of four columns and four rows that are each separated by a gutter. There are 16 modules that help the designer to choose where to position the text and pictures. The text and pictures can fill up more then one module as long as it occupies one or more whole modules.

Parts of a Grid

The margins of modular grid are the outside space that surrounds the modules. Usually the designer will not place anything inside the margins. There are four vertical columns that make up the modular grid. The 16 grid modules are used to help organize the information on the page. Images or text can occupy one or more modules which allows the designer to have more freedom. Flowlines are the lines between the characters. The gutter is the space used to divide the modules or it is the space in the middle of a two-page spread where the binding of the book will be. Nothing is to be placed in the gutter.

The Use of Hierarchy and How to Create a Clear Hierarchy

When designing, there are words that pop out at the viewer due to their size, color, leading, point size, line length, and kerning. When hierarchy is used correctly, the viewer is drawn to the words that the designer believes are the most important.

A clear hierarchy is achieved by creating a clear difference between what the designer believes are the most important words and then the description or less important details that follow. The designer can choose how they would like to make the main word pop, whether it is by making it larger then the other words, the placement on the page, the color difference, and the leading. Words that are placed to the left topside of the page stand out the most since we read from left to right, top to bottom.

Font Family/Type Styles

A type family is a group of related typefaces that have the same characteristics but may defer due to different weights, proportions, kerning and so on. There are some typefaces such as Universe that have many different options while others just have a few.