How to use a grid for alignment in PhotoShop

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This post answers the question, “How to make a grid in Photoshop?” and demonstrates three ways to create grids in Photoshop.

Watch how to make grids in Photoshop

Option 1: How to turn on the visibility of PhotoShop’s grid

A simple way to turn on Photoshop’s default grid is to go to View > Show > Grid.

You can adjust the settings by opening the Properties Window and looking at the Rulers & Grids area.

Option 2: How to build your own grid in PhotoShop using Photoshop grid lines or guides

Using Rulers, you can manually drag guides onto your artboard. Using View > New Guide, you can specify precisely where you want a new guide placed on the X and Y axis.

Option 3: How to build a grid using the “New Guide Layout” option in PhotoShop

The New Guide Layout window allows you to select the number of columns and rows you want generated in Photoshop. Instead of creating or drawing grids manually, Photoshop can create a grid for you, and then you can adjust the width, height, gutter, and more. Make sure to tick your “Preview” checkbox so you can view the guide as you build it.

Access the New Guide Layout option by selecting View > New Guide Layout.

Questions about building grid guidelines in Photoshop

Do I need to hand draw a modular guide grid in PhotoShop?

Nope, there are preset grid guidelines in PhotoShop.

Will my Guide Layout Grids show when I export my file as an image?

No. This is a grid intended to be used as guidelines. The guideline grids will not be visible when you export your files as an image. However, your guidelines will be saved in your editable PSD file.

Can I change the thickness of my guidelines?

For the guide grid, currently, I do not believe there is a way to change the stroke on the guides. In Preferences > Guides, Grid & Slices, you can change colors and choose if the guide is dotted or solid. I’d keep checking back in this Preference area because in a future release, Adobe may decide to include an option for adjusting the thickness of the grid line.

Happy Designing!

Have you ever wanted to make a Pop Art Design effect in Photoshop? Here’s a quick tutorial on how to create repeated outlines in Photoshop.

learn how to create a pop art effect for your images in Photoshop - multiple lines are created around subjects in photos

Have you ever tried to make and use guides in PowerPoint?

As a designer, you may need to work in PowerPoint, too. Did you know you can use guides in PowerPoint, too? Yep, you can add guidelines, but there is no drag-and-drop function like you’re used to in Adobe design products. Instead, right-click or Crtl+click on your slide. Select Guides > and then choose either Add Vertical Guide or Add Horizontal Guide. For more Powerpoint design tips, check out our other articles tagged as Powerpoint.

About the author

Kelly Barkhurst

Designer to Fullstack is my place to geek out and share tech solutions from my day-to-day as a graphic designer, programmer, and business owner (portfolio). I also write on Arts and Bricks, a parenting blog and decal shop that embraces my family’s love of Art and LEGO bricks!

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