A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Golden Ratio Grid for Logos
Kwaku Amprako is a logo design expert & visual identity designer, speaker, educator, and founder of Akrivi — Shaping the future of logo and identity design. Get in touch→
How to Create a Golden Ratio Grid for Logos in Adobe Illustrator
The Golden Ratio is one of the most powerful tools in logo design — helping you create balanced, memorable, and professional-looking logos that feel naturally aligned.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a Golden Ratio grid step-by-step using Adobe Illustrator, and why it remains one of the most trusted systems for iconic logo design.
How to Make Golden Ratio Grid
1. Start with Fibonacci Numbers
Use circle sizes like 10, 20, 30, 50, etc. to build the framework.
2. Create Overlapping Circles
Align them edge-to-edge to form the structure of the golden ratio.
3. (Optional) Add a Spiral
Use arcs or quarter circles to visualize flow and composition.
4.Build a Grid Framework
Use the circles to draw guides that help structure your logo.
5. Sketch with the Grid
Design shapes that follow the grid’s natural proportions.
6. Refine and Finalize
Polish your paths, check alignment, and apply optical adjustments.
What is the golden ratio in logo design?
The golden ratio (approximately 1.618) is a mathematical constant that appears all around us—especially in things like artwork and architecture. In logo designing, this is needed to generate aesthetically-pleasing, spontaneously balanced imagery.
Companies such as Apple, Twitter, and Pepsi are among those whose logos’ structures have been alleged to conform to the golden ratio, giving their logos a natural feeling of orderliness.
Want to dive deeper into logo grids? Check out this blog I wrote on what logo grids are and why every logo designer should be using them.
Why Should You Use the Golden Ratio Grid?
- Visual Balance: It creates proportions that feel "right" to the human eye.
- Professionalism: Structured logos convey a stronger brand presence.
- Efficiency: A grid-based approach speeds up revisions and adaptations.
Preparing Your Workspace in Adobe Illustrator
Before you begin creating a golden ratio logo grid, make sure your Adobe Illustrator setup is optimized for precision:
- Create a New Document: Choose a size like 1000px by 1000px for flexibility.
- Enable Rulers: (View > Rulers > Show Rulers)
- Enable Smart Guides: (View > Smart Guides) for easier snapping.
- Turn on Grids: (View > Show Grid) and (View > Snap to Grid).
- Set Units to Pixels or Points: (Preferences > Units)
This environment will make your grid creation much smoother.
Step-by-Step: Creating the Golden Ratio Grid for Logos
I’ve created a quick video showing how to build the golden ratio grid in Adobe Illustrator. You can also follow the step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Understanding the Fibonacci Sequence
The golden ratio is strongly related to the Fibonacci sequence. It looks like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.
Each number is the sum of the two numbers before it. Once you start creating circles using diameters derived from these numbers, you are starting to build up the basic golden ratio grid.
Step 2: Base Guide Setup
- Rectangle Tool (M) + Shift: Draw square.
- Ctrl+C, Ctrl+F (Win) / Cmd+C, Cmd+F (Mac): Copy, paste in front.
- Shift + Drag Right: Scale duplicate to half width.
- Pen Tool (P): Click smaller square's bottom-center, then top-right.
- Rotate Tool (R) + Alt+Click (Win) / Option+Click (Mac) on original bottom-right: Set Angle -63.5°, OK.
- Delete: Remove the newly halfed square.
Step 3: Build the Grid (Squares)
- Rectangle Tool (M) + Shift: Draw new square from rotated line's endpoint, touch large square right.
- Shift + Alt+Drag (Win) / Shift + Option+Drag (Mac): Duplicate and position to top-right.
- Repeat (Shift + Alt+Drag, Scale): Continue subdividing new smallest squares, spiraling inward.
Step 4: Draw the Golden Spiral (Arcs)
- Ellipse Tool (L) + Shift+Alt (Win) / Shift+Option (Mac): Draw circle in largest grid square.
- Direct Selection Tool (A): Delete top anchor, then left anchor.
- Shift + Alt+Drag (Win) / Shift + Option+Drag (Mac): Duplicate current arc.
- Rotate & Position: Align new arc to next largest square.
- Repeat: Continue duplicating, rotating, and positioning for each smaller square.
Step 4: Design Your Logo
- Align Elements: Position key logo components (shapes, text) directly along grid lines, intersections, or within grid squares.
- Establish Proportions: Use the varying square sizes and arc curves to define harmonious dimensions and spacing for your logo.
- Refine & Balance: Leverage the spiral's flow for dynamic compositions and ensure overall visual balance following the grid's structure.
Remember: The goal is balance, not mechanical perfection.
How Akrivi Gridit Makes Golden Ratio Grids Effortless
At Akrivi, I've developed Akrivi Gridit — a suite of tools (free scripts, paid extensions, and templates) that automate grid creation and logo structuring in Adobe Illustrator
Free Adobe Illustrator Scripts:
- Golden Ratio Grid Template: A ready-made Illustrator file you can plug into any project.
Premium Adobe Illustrator Extension:
- Base Grid Generator™ : Instantly generate any type of grid straight on to your art board, including Golden Ratio.
Check out this video here of how the tool works.
These resources save hours of manual setup and ensure every logo you create is structured with mathematical precision — enhancing your design efficiency.
Why Mastering Logo Grids Matters
According to a study on logo design principles published in the Journal of Business Research, logos that exhibit symmetry, proportion, and simplicity are more likely to generate positive customer responses.
Using a golden ratio grid:
- Enhances brand recognition
- Establishes visual harmony
- Increases consumer trust subconsciously
Check out this blog I wrote on why grid systems are essential in professional logo design.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Golden Ratio Grid
- Over-engineering: If it looks too stiff, relax your alignment slightly.
- Ignoring Optical Adjustments: Sometimes your eye knows better than the math.
- Wrong Tool Usage: Manually creating grids wastes time; use professional-grade tools like those from Akrivi.
- Applying It Blindly: Not every logo needs a golden ratio. Use it thoughtfully.
Download Free Logo Grid Tools from Akrivi
Ready to jumpstart your golden ratio logo design?
Download our free resources:
- Golden Ratio Grid Template (Ai file)
- Mastering Logo Grids in Adobe Illustrator (Free eBook)
- Horizontal, Vertical, and Condensed Lockup Scripts
These free tools will help you create with precision while saving valuable design time.
On a mission to simplify brand identity design, I build tools and workflows that help designers work faster, smarter, and with more precision—minus the friction.
Subscribe to the Akrivi Newsletter for the latest insights & tools
Featured blogs
