In graphic design and word processing applications, a grid is a series of vertical
and horizontal lines that are used to subdivide a page vertically and
horizontally into margins, columns, inter-column spaces, lines of type and
spaces between blocks of type and images. These subdivisions form the basis of a
modular and systematic approach to the layout, particularly for multipage
documents, making the design process quicker, and ensuring visual consistency
between related pages.
See also "A
Brief History of Grids" on Graphics.com.