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mblaney
Participant
March 5, 2016
Question

Create grid with gutter and margins in illustrator?

  • March 5, 2016
  • 5 replies
  • 61086 views

I'm wanting to basically have the same functionality in Illustrator CC as Indesign has; adding margins to my A4 page and then creating a grid with gutters on the page. So far I have only used the rectangular grid tool but its pretty basic in its functioning and can't do gutters, nor do I know how to add adjustable margins. Thanks in advance.

    5 replies

    smallprint1976
    smallprint1976
    Known Participant
    June 15, 2018

    Right now I use this.

    Grid Calculator by Nicolaj Kirkgaard Nielsen

    but Would be super helpful if it was built in.

    smallprint1976
    smallprint1976
    Known Participant
    October 24, 2017

    quite time consuming, when I could just get the computer to do it for me.

    I am already aware of the make guides tool.

      @mj
      Community Expert
      @mjCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      October 24, 2017

      This is my method (hopefully it works for you too):

      1. Draw a box with the rectangular grid tool. Keep your mouse in. Tap the up/down and left right keys to add/remove the number of grid units. Size does not matter at this point. Release your mouse.
      2. Use the transform panel to determine the exact with and height of your outer margins. e.g.: 210x297 less 10mm each side would be 190x277. Use the align functions to align to dartboard.
      3. Ungroup the object and select all the inner lines.
      4. Make their stroke width the size of the gap you want between each unit.
      5. With the lines still selected, choose unite from the pathfinder panel.
      6. Select all and choose view menu > guides > make guides.

      You're good to go.

      HTH

      smallprint1976
      smallprint1976
      Known Participant
      October 23, 2017

      Bump would be very helpful if it did!

      Ton Frederiks
      Community Expert
      Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      October 23, 2017

      Then this is the place to submit your request:

      Adobe Illustrator Feedback

      smallprint1976
      smallprint1976
      Known Participant
      October 24, 2017

      I have used that forum before to ask for something very similar see link below. I also put it in a comment in the feedback box that always pops up. I noticed that Photoshop CC 2018 has the feature now too. I figure put it in as many places as possible someone my take notice.

      Proportional Grid like After Effects – Adobe Illustrator Feedback

      Ton Frederiks
      Community Expert
      Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 5, 2016

      Illustrator does not have that functionality like InDesign, but you can try this:

      Create a box as large as the page without the margins.

      Position it at the X Y position of the top and left margin.

      Choose: Object > Path > Split into Grid.

      You can make guides from the result.

        G
        guoogui31267089
        Participant
        June 15, 2018

        Thank you

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