How to Make a Grid in InDesign

Have you ever needed a grid in Adobe InDesign and been unable to find it? This tutorial will teach you the basics of how to make a grid in InDesign and how to customize it.

Are you looking for a video tutorial? Then check out this new video from the Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel to learn everything about InDesign grids:

What You'll Learn in This InDesign Grid Tutorial

How to make a baseline grid in InDesign
How to make a square grid in InDesign
How to make a dot grid in InDesign

What You'll Need

You can follow along using your own documents if you want, but here are the resources I'm using in this demonstration:

1. How to Make a Baseline Grid in InDesign

Step 1

Baseline grids in InDesign are great for keeping text aligned across your document. Using baseline grids for publications like magazines comes in handy. To access your baseline preferences, go to InDesign > Preferences > Grids.

Step 2

Choose the following Baseline Grid settings:

Color: Green
Start: 15 mm
Relative To: Top of Page
Increment Every: 12 pt
View Threshold: 75%

Step 3

To view your Baseline Grid, go to View > Grids & Guides > Show Baseline Grid. Your grid should now appear on your document spread. If you're having trouble with the baseline grid not appearing, try zooming in/out.

2. How to Make a Square in InDesign

Step 1

Access the Grid Preferences menu by going to InDesign > Preferences > Grids. Now, we will make changes to the Document Grid settings. Change the Color to Dark Blue, Gridline Every to 30 mm, and Subdivisions to 8. Click OK.

Step 2

In InDesign, show grid lines by going to View > Grids & Guides > Show Document Grid. Use the grid in InDesign to align objects and images.

3. How to Make a Dot Grid in InDesign

Step 1

Create a new page at the end of your document. Select the Ellipse Tool (L) and click anywhere in the document. This will bring up the Ellipse Options. Change the size to 2 mm. Change the Fill of the dot to Black in the Swatches panel. Move the dot to the top left corner of your document.

Step 2

With the dot selected, go to Edit > Step and Repeat. Choose the following settings:

Rows: 37
Columns: 22
Create as a grid should be checked
Vertical: 8.1 mm
Horizontal: 9.7 mm

Click OK.

Step 3

Your grid should look similar to the image below.

Master InDesign With These Resources

Since you've mastered this tutorial on how to make a grid in InDesign, it's time to learn even more. Taking your skills to the next level is easy with this set of tutorials that will teach you how to work with type.