Kwaku Amprako is a logo expert, brand identity designer, speaker, and founder of Akrivi — a platform shaping the future of brand identity design through automation, systems, and precision.
Logo Grid Rules: 4 Things to Always Follow (and What to Avoid)
Worried your logo grid isn’t quite right? These rules will fix that.
After nearly a decade of designing logos, I’ve learned one thing for sure:
Logo grids work — but only when you use them the right way.
In this guide, you’ll learn 4 essential logo grid rules that will help you design with more structure, precision, and confidence. These aren’t just best practices — they’re game-changers for any designer who wants to create cleaner, more professional logos.
The 4 rules for logo grids are:
- Use a grid before you start designing – to set the foundation and structure.
- Refine your logo after designing – using construction and lockup grids.
- Don’t force the grid – it’s a guide, not a cage.
- Break the rules when needed – trust your designer’s eye for optical balance.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about when or how to use grids, this post will give you the clarity you’ve been missing.
1. Use a Logo Grid Before You Design (Set the Foundation)
This rule is all about the Base Grid. It’s your starting point.
Think of it like building a house. You wouldn't start without a blueprint, right? Laying down your grid first ensures initial proportions and overall structure. This step saves you tons of headaches later by providing a solid foundation.
What to Avoid:
Don't jump straight into drawing without a plan. Eyeballing proportions from the start often leads to rework and a logo that just doesn't feel quite right.
Our Base Grid Generator™ can help you instantly lay down these foundational grids.
To explore base grids further, read here learn more about the 4 different types of logo grids.
2. Use a Logo Grid After You Design (The Polish & Refinement)
This rule focuses on Construction Grids and Lockup Grids. It’s about that pixel-perfect polish.
Once your creative juices have flowed and you have a solid concept, bring the grids back for precision. This phase is for finessing details, checking alignment, and ensuring consistency. It reveals any areas needing adjustment, guaranteeing pixel-perfection.
What to Avoid:
Don't assume your initial sketch is perfect. Skipping final alignment checks can leave your logo looking subtly off, even to an untrained eye.
The Logo Grid Generator™ is invaluable here, making precise construction grids a breeze.
3. Don't Force a Grid (It's a Guide, Not a Cage)
This rule reminds us that logo grids are tools, not unbreakable laws for every single logo.
Some logos, especially those with very organic shapes or unique custom typography, might not fit a strict geometric grid. This is perfectly fine! The ultimate goal is a great logo, not forced adherence to a grid. Even golden ratio grids are powerful but aren't a magic solution for every design.
What to Avoid:
Trying to squeeze every logo into a rigid grid structure. Don't let the grid dictate your entire design; let it support it. Always prioritize the final visual outcome and your brand's message.
For a deeper understanding of why and when to use grids, read here where I explain why you should use logo grids
4. Be Ready to Break the Rules (Trust Your Eye)
Sometimes, what is mathematically "perfect" on a logo design grid can look slightly off to the human eye. This is a common optical illusion! This is where your intuition and optical adjustments come in.
A subtle nudge here, a tiny size change there – these small "breaks" from the grid often create a more visually harmonious result. Your eye is your ultimate tool!
What to Avoid:
Blindly sticking to the grid if your gut tells you it looks wrong. Don't sacrifice the feel of the logo for strict mathematical precision.
Remember, even our advanced Logo Grid Generator™ provides frameworks that support these optical adjustments, rather than replacing your designer's eye.
Download Your Free Logo Grid Templates
Ready to use what you’ve learned?
We've put together a FREE logo grid template as part of our Logo Grid Core Kit. It also includes a logo ebook, all about mastering logo grids inside adobe illustrator.
16k+ Designers around the world use this same system to speed up their workflow and create professional logos.
★★★★★
Conclusion
These logo grid rules simplify a complex process.
They give you confidence and help avoid common pitfalls.
Grids are a powerful addition to your creative process.
