The Best 3 Graphic Design Books for Grid Systems

My go-to reads for mastering grids in logo and layout design.

‍

Mastering design is a journey. While digital tools are essential, I believe the foundational principles you learn from books are what truly shape a designer's career. When it comes to creating balanced, professional work, nothing is more fundamental than a solid understanding of grid systems.

Grids bring order, clarity, and harmony to everything from complex layouts to the simplest of logos. Over the years, I've come to rely on a few key books that have profoundly shaped my approach.

I'm sharing my top 3 reads for anyone serious about mastering grid systems in their own work.

‍

My Top 3 Books on Grid Systems

1. Logo, Symbol & Mark Design by George Bokhua

This book is a masterclass in geometric precision. George Bokhua is brilliant at using simple shapes and grids to create memorable and impactful logos. He shows you how to bring structure to creativity, ensuring your designs are both beautiful and built to last.

If you’re looking to master the art of the logo grid system, this book is for you. It’s less about theory and more about seeing a master at work. You learn by observing how he builds his famous animal logos and other marks from a simple, logical foundation. 

For fellow design nerds who want to understand the fundamentals of what a logo grid is, this book is an amazing visual guide.

‍

2. Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

This is, without a doubt, the bible of grid design. It’s a classic from the Swiss Style master, Josef Müller-Brockmann. While it focuses heavily on layout design for print, the principles are absolutely timeless and more relevant than ever.

This book teaches you the thinking behind the grid. It shows you how to create clarity, objectivity, and order in any composition. His ideas on modular layouts are the foundation for modern trends like the bento grids you see everywhere today. 

If you want to understand what bento grids are at their core, this book is the source.

‍

3. Layout Essentials: 100 Design Principles for Using Grids by Beth Tondreau

If Müller-Brockmann's book is the theory, think of this one as the practical field guide. Beth Tondreau breaks down grid usage into 100 clear, digestible principles. It's incredibly accessible and perfect for designers at any level.

I love this book because it’s a quick reference you can always turn to. It’s not a heavy textbook; it’s a visual guide full of straightforward examples. It’s the perfect companion for when you need a quick rule or a bit of inspiration to solve a tricky layout problem.

‍

Ready to Turn Theory into Practice?

These books are amazing for understanding the theory behind grids. The next step is applying that knowledge to your own work.

To help you do just that, I've put together a FREE logo grid template. It's part of our Logo Grid Core Kit and has the base and lockup grids you need to start designing with precision.

‍

Conclusion

These books offer more than just rules on where to place lines. They teach you the why behind structured design. They show you how to think with clarity, precision, and purpose.

If you're serious about improving your design skills, I highly recommend adding these to your library. Pick one up and see how it transforms your work.