Grids and Layouts, why odd numbers are better

Grids are one of the most important tools in a graphic designers tool box, they are fundamental to everything a graphic designer does. An effective grid gives a design structure, organising and sorting each element giving it somewhere to belong. They encourage and aid alignment, balance and can even be used to create contrast. Grids within design took off in the 1940’s and 50’s during the Swiss style movement, although today they are commonplace after the second world war the revolutionised the design industry.

Odd numbers are better

When creating a grid system for a layout an odd number of columns seems to be the automatic choice for many designers, the question is why? Well, an odd number of columns automatically creates asymmetry and breaks the rigidness of perfect symmetry and allows the eye to move across the page more organically. Odd numbers within a layout create dynamic focal points and variation. The main reason odd numbers are thought to work better in design is down to the rule of thirds, it a design and photography method for creating compositions.

The rule of thirds

The rule of thirds works literally as it says on the tin, by breaking down the horizontal and vertical into three sections. The cross sections of these invisible lines creates four “hotspots” within the composition, sitting the focal point of an image on one of these hotspots makes it impossible for it to be missed. The rule of thirds encourages designers to experiment with asymmetry, by placing elements of a design to one side allows a sweeping motion across the canvas and allows for white space giving the design room to breathe.