How to Create Bento Grids in Adobe Illustrator

Wondering how to create Bento Grids in Adobe Illustrator?

There are three main ways to do it — from fully manual to fully automated:

1. Manually, using Illustrator’s built-in shape, align, and “Split into Grid” tools
2. With Instant Bentos™, a free one-click script for fast, precise grids
3. Using Bento Generator™, the most powerful and flexible way to create multiple Bento layouts in seconds

Whether you’re designing a brand presentation, updating your portfolio, or creating social media content, Bento Grids are a clean, modern way to showcase your work — and these methods will help you build them with ease.

Let’s walk through each one.

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First Method:

Manual 'Split into Grid' Adobe illustrator tool

Creating Bento grids manually in Adobe Illustrator provides granular control over every aspect of your layout. While it requires more time and precision, it's an excellent way to understand the underlying principles of grid design and how various elements interact visually.

We'll use a combination of Illustrator's basic shape tools and alignment features.

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Step 1: Set Up Your Canvas

Start by creating a new document in Adobe Illustrator (File > New). Choose the dimensions appropriate for your project (e.g., for a social media post, a square or vertical format might work well).

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Step 2: Draw Your First "Box"

Select the Rectangle Tool (M) from the toolbar. Click and drag on your artboard to draw the first rectangle for your grid. This will be one of your "Bento boxes." Don't worry about perfect size or placement yet, we'll refine it.

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‍Step 3: Add More Boxes

Continue drawing more rectangles to represent the different sections of your Bento grid. Think about the layout you want to achieve – will you have one large box and several smaller ones? A few equal sections? Sketching it out roughly beforehand can help!

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Step 4: Align and Distribute

Now for the crucial part – making them look neat!

• Select all the rectangles you've drawn (Cmd/Ctrl + A).
• Open the Align panel (Window > Align).
• Use the Horizontal Align and Vertical Align options to line up the edges of your boxes.
• Use the Distribute Objects options (like Horizontal Distribute Space and Vertical Distribute Space) to ensure even spacing between your boxes if needed. You can also manually adjust spacing by selecting boxes and using the arrow keys.

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Step 5: Combine and Refine Shapes (Optional but Recommended)

Sometimes, to create the feeling of interconnected "boxes" within the grid, you might want to combine shapes or use them to define areas.

• You can use the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder) to unite overlapping shapes or divide them.
• Consider using the Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M). Select overlapping shapes, then click and drag across the areas you want to combine into a single shape.

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Step 6: Round Edges

With your boxes in place, you can now add corner radius to all section. Select all rectangles, press A for Direct Selection tool and Corners options in the tools properties panel to adjust the radius.

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Step 7: Place Your Content

Now your Bento grid structure is ready! You can place your text, images, icons, or other design elements within each of the boxes you've created. Use clipping masks or simply arrange your content within the boundaries of each shape.

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Second Method:

The Efficient Shortcut: Instant Bentos™ – A Free One-Click Script

For designers who value speed and precision without complex setups, the free Instant Bentos™ Adobe Illustrator Script is a game-changer. It automates the creation of perfectly aligned Bento layouts with minimal effort.

Here's how to use this incredible time-saver:

• Draw Your Rectangle: Begin by simply drawing a single rectangle on your artboard. This rectangle will define the outer dimensions of your desired Bento grid.
• Run the Script: With your rectangle selected, navigate to File > Scripts > Instant Bento.

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• Adjust Gutter Weight: A small prompt will appear, allowing you to input a "Weight" value, which directly controls the gutter (spacing) between your generated Bento boxes. Enter your preferred value and click OK.

In an instant, your single rectangle transforms into a meticulously crafted Bento grid. Instant Bentos handles all the complex calculations for precise sizing, ensuring perfectly even gutters and consistent corner radii throughout your layout. This eliminates manual adjustments and ensures a polished, professional look every time.

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Download the Instant Bentos™ Script Here - Instant Bentos

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Final Method:

The Ultimate Control: Bento Generator™ – Powerful & Flexible Layouts

For designers who value speed and precision without complex setups, the free Instant Bentos™ Adobe Illustrator Script is a game-changer. It automates the creation of perfectly aligned Bento layouts with minimal effort.

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For designers seeking the most advanced and flexible solution for Bento grids, Bento Generator™ stands out. This robust Adobe Illustrator extension (coming soon!) provides unparalleled control over generating multiple Bento layouts in seconds, offering extensive customization options that go far beyond basic grid creation.

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While the full details and download for Bento Generator™ are still under wraps, here's a glimpse of what makes it the go-to tool for high-volume, high-precision Bento grid creation:

• Generate Multiple Layouts Instantly: Unlike single-grid scripts, Bento Generator™ will empower you to create a variety of complex Bento structures with incredible speed.
• Deep Customization: Expect comprehensive controls over grid patterns, individual box sizes, gutter widths, corner radiuses, and more, all within an intuitive interface.
• Dynamic Adjustments: Modify and refine your Bento grids on the fly, allowing for rapid experimentation and iteration without having to redraw or recalculate.
• Streamlined Workflow: Designed to integrate seamlessly into your Adobe Illustrator workflow, Bento Generator™ will save countless hours on repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus purely on design creativity.

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Bento Generator™ is poised to revolutionize how designers approach complex layouts, providing a level of automation and flexibility previously unavailable. Stay tuned for its official launch!

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Which Method Is Right For You?

The best method for creating Bento grids depends on your project needs and your desired level of automation.

• Manual: Ideal for learning grid fundamentals, or for highly bespoke, one-off layouts where absolute manual control is paramount.
• Instant Bentos™ (Free Script): Perfect for quick, precise, and effortless single Bento grid creations. A fantastic entry point for designers looking to instantly streamline their workflow.
• Bento Generator™ (Coming Soon Extension): The ultimate choice for professionals who need to rapidly generate, customize, and manage multiple complex Bento layouts with maximum flexibility and efficiency.

No matter your approach, mastering Bento grids will add a powerful and contemporary aesthetic to your design toolkit. Experiment with these methods to find your perfect workflow!
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