What are some common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when using grids and alignment for text?

1 Ignoring the baseline grid

The baseline grid is a horizontal grid that aligns the baselines of your text across columns and pages. It helps to create a harmonious and balanced rhythm in your layout, and to avoid gaps and uneven spacing. However, some desktop publishers ignore the baseline grid, or use it inconsistently, resulting in text that looks jumpy and misaligned. To avoid this mistake, you should always set up a baseline grid in your document settings, and adjust your text size, leading, and paragraph spacing to match the grid increments. You should also use the same baseline grid for all your text elements, such as headlines, captions, and quotes, unless you have a specific reason to break the grid for visual contrast or emphasis.

2 Using too many grids

While grids are useful for creating structure and order in your layout, they can also be restrictive and boring if you use too many of them. For example, if you divide your page into too many columns, rows, or modules, you might end up with a crowded and confusing layout that lacks white space and hierarchy. You might also lose the flexibility and creativity to adapt your layout to different content types and sizes. To avoid this pitfall, you should use grids as a guide, not a rule, and limit the number of grids you use in your layout. You should also consider using different types of grids, such as modular, hierarchical, or asymmetrical grids, to create more variety and interest in your design.

3 Misaligning text and images

Another common mistake in desktop publishing is to misalign text and images, creating visual tension and inconsistency in your layout. For example, if you align your text to the left, but your images to the center, you might create a gap or a ragged edge that disrupts the flow and harmony of your layout. You might also create confusion and ambiguity about the relationship between your text and images, and the hierarchy and importance of your information. To avoid this pitfall, you should align your text and images to the same grid, or use a consistent margin or padding around your elements. You should also use alignment to create contrast and emphasis, such as aligning your headline to the right, but your body text to the left, to create a dynamic and eye-catching layout.

5 Forgetting the optical alignment

Optical alignment is the perception of alignment, rather than the mathematical or geometric alignment. It takes into account the shape, size, and weight of your elements, and how they affect the visual balance and harmony of your layout. For example, if you align a circle to a square, or a bold font to a light font, they might look misaligned or uneven, even if they are technically aligned to the same grid or margin. To avoid this pitfall, you should always check your layout for optical alignment, and adjust your elements accordingly. You might need to nudge your elements slightly off the grid or margin, or use negative or positive kerning or tracking, to create a more pleasing and aligned layout.