Quick links to procedures on this page:

Using the Layout Grid

The Layout Grid provides an easy way to divide your canvas so that you can plan your composition. For example, you can divide your canvas into thirds vertically and horizontally to use the compositional rule of thirds. From the Layout Grid panel, you can access grid settings, such as the number of divisions, size, angle, color, and opacity of the grid. You can adjust these settings while you work and save them as a preset for future drawings and paintings. You can also move the grid to a new position. You can restore the default settings of the Layout Grid tool at any time.

The Layout Grid also lets you divide the canvas into compositional sections based on the proportions of the canvas. This nonprinting grid is used primarily for composing artwork before you begin drawing or painting.

layout grid

The Layout Grid helps you compose images. Artwork by Chris Melby.

To show or hide the Layout Grid Back to Top

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You can also show or hide the grid by clicking the Layout Grid tool in the toolbox and enabling the Layout Grid check box on the property bar.

To set Layout Grid options Back to Top

 

In the Divisions area, type values in the Vertical box and the Horizontal box.
If you want to link the Vertical and Horizontal values, click the Synchronize Divisions button .
In the Size area, move the Vertical slider to set the height, and move the Horizontal slider to set the width.
Type a value in the Rotate box to set the degree of the angle.
In the Display area, click the Horizontal or Vertical color picker, and choose a color.
Move the Opacity slider to the left to increase transparency. Move the slider to the right to increase opacity.

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You can also set some Layout Grid options by clicking the Layout Grid tool in the toolbox, and modifying the settings you want on the property bar.

To save Layout Grid settings as a preset Back to Top

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You can also save a preset by clicking the Layout Grid tool in the toolbox and clicking the Add button on the property bar.

To delete a Layout Grid preset Back to Top

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You can also delete a preset by clicking the Layout Grid tool in the toolbox, selecting a preset from the Preset list box on the property bar, and clicking the Delete button .

To choose a Layout Grid preset Back to Top
To move a Layout Grid Back to Top
To restore the default settings of the Layout Grid tool Back to Top

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