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I've come across many similar questions relating to similar projects on Stack Exchange Meta. Despite this, I still can't quite translate to my own project and problem.

I believe this is fundamentally a math question. I struggle desperately with math and logical thinking, so can't work out what calculations are needed or whether this is possible for my document.

I have created a z-fold document. I calculated a layout grid using the following dimensions:

Each individual page is 99mmx210mm I set a margin for each page to 1cm (10mm) I want to divided the space within the margins into 9 rows and 3 columns. I've set a gutter width between each row and column to 2mm (I wanted it to be small, as I have a lot of content to place).

layout grid complete

This is what I am left with - all good!

I then now want to set up the baseline grid to fit with this layout grid, as I will be using a fair bit of text in the design.

As my copy will be set to a point size of 10 (10pts) I set the baseline grid increment to 10 pts also, lined up within the margins.

This is what I am left with: enter image description here

I believe I am struggling with logical maths equations or something. Any insight or formula explanations that would help me both with this project, and for calculating future projects, would be appreciated.

Following guidance:

enter image description here enter image description here

As you can see, I haven't had desired effect?

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9
  • You should set the grid increments according to leading / line spacing, not type size... that'll definitely help! :)
    – curious ♦
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:29
  • Try 12 or 13 pts increments
    – curious ♦
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:31
  • Oh yes I realised this at one point and set to 12pt as that will be my leading. This didn't line up either unfortunately
    – Molly
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:40
  • If your leading is 12pt, then your baseline grid should also be 12pt, not 10pt.
    – lmlmlm
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:49
  • So I should try follow your calculations explanation and work out the whole thing again!?
    – Molly
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 16:04

2 Answers 2

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Looks like a math problem indeed.

Not sure why do you need the horizontal so-called 'rows'. The baseline grid looks correct, but the horizontal lines don't make sense. Those have nothing to do with the baseline grid and the way text will flow into your columns.

Also, not sure you're aware you're dealing with 2 units of measurement, MM for the layout and PT for the baseline grid.

Math speaking, 1 MM equals 2.83465 PT, so if you really need that setup, try with these settings:

enter image description here

Numbers explained:

  • 9 sets of 5 lines of 10 points = 450 points
  • 8 lines of 10 points = 80 points
  • total 530 points
  • 530 points / 2.83465 = 186.971mm
  • (210mm - 186.971mm) / 2 = 11.514mm
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  • The rows are so I can divide the content into 9 sections as it runs down the page. This is so the design lines up across the z-fold when opened up, and is harmonious. I know I am using two measurements. This is because I am printing the design, and much of print design deals with mms for layout and calculations. And then text size is discussed commonly using points.
    – Molly
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 14:42
  • Updated my answer.
    – lmlmlm
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:02
  • Thank you. Stupid I know, but could you please explain how you calculated this, and how you calculated that the margins needed to be 11.514mm for my grid to fit with the baseline?
    – Molly
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:04
  • I've also updated following your setup guide but haven't had desired outcome?
    – Molly
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:28
  • Thanks Lucian. Why do you set to top of page rather than to margins?
    – Molly
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 15:58
0

The Layout Grid Calculator plugin for Adobe InDesign can help you.

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