Rather, it serves a number of crucial functions for both the reader and the designer. The Benefits of Discipline A good grid forces order onto the layout and so acts as an orienting device enabling the reader to knows where to look for information and to understand its relative importance. Just as importantly the grid works on an aesthetic level. The readers might not consciously be aware of it, but subliminally they pick up on the fact that everything is well ordered and in its place. If a picture juts fractionally into the column next to it something seems to be slightly amiss, but if the lines of text align neatly across the columns on a page some fundamental and reassuring logic seems to be at work.
Grids are equally important for the designer.
By putting in the time to set up a grid that works, the design decisions that crop up during the production process fall naturally into place. Essentially if you get the grid right, you can be confident that your end results will be a success. Moreover, good design is a balance of order and variation and the imposed discipline of the grid gives the scope to creatively break free. A rotated image, for example, will stand out far more if it is surrounded by others that are not. Ultimately the apparent limitations of the grid turn out to be fruitful both in terms of productivity and in terms of creativity.