Hi just looking for a recommendation for standard gutter width for a 2 column layout on an A4 page. The point size is 10pt the margins are 12.7mm (the default InDesign setting) I thought this would be easy to google but apparently not I guess its too specific a question
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I don't think it's too specific but rather too broad. There simply is no "standard gutter" for A4 paper.– KMSTRCommented May 23, 2014 at 5:46
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Ok I guess I'll just leave it to my intuition then– user24115Commented May 23, 2014 at 6:15
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That's not what I would take away from that. Have you considered a baseline grid with a proportionate gutter?– KMSTRCommented May 23, 2014 at 6:19
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No I haven't I don't know much about them I will look into it– user24115Commented May 23, 2014 at 6:46
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Hi there and welcome to GD. I would like you to answer the following: is this about one single page, or will it be part of a spread?– bentehCommented May 23, 2014 at 15:33
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2 Answers
The purpose of the gutter is to separate the text enough that the reader's eye won't accidentally jump from one column to the next. This requires that the gutter width should be set to a value that is at least equal to the point size of the text, preferably equal to or greater than the leading. Anything less, and you'll need a vertical rule to achieve enough visual separation.
This isn't a hard and fast rule, but it's a good starting point and is worth sticking to unless you're trying to create a specific "look" in the layout.
answered May 24, 2014 at 19:27
Actually, it will depends of font size, leading, even font color. When you will put your content just try to have a feeling that columns is not struggle with each other, but looks organic and in harmony. And experiment a bit with a gutter to get the best feeling.
