Grid system

The prismatic grid and creating shape elements

To keep things organized and precise, we use grids to organize information and guide layout creation.

Based on the structure of the Flatiron symbol, a “prismatic” grid was designed to cover compositions with varied widths and angles, through the strategic use of color.

The Prismatic Grid is our tool for developing Flatiron’s visual expression in an organized and consistent manner.

Creating a precision point of connection across all of our compositions will hold together the visual language. Always use the prismatic grid for creating new cover graphics or branded background patterns.

The modular nature of the grid allows for a variety of content to be displayed.

Layout and the prismatic grid

Always ensure the typographic content that pairs with the graphic system has enough space to be clean, legible and clear. The content should feel that it has space to breathe and is not too tight or too constrained.




Always ensure the logo placement inside the prismatic grid is treated with the appropriate safe space. The prismatic pattern should not run behind the symbol or the wordmark to ensure proper legibility.




For applications that require the use of our full color logo, ensure that the full color logo is placed on a background that provides sufficient contrast with both the symbol and wordmark.

The standard 12 column grid for typography

The 12 Column Grid is our standard grid structure for typographic layouts. Always ensure strict alignment to this grid unless with the utmost intention.

12 column layouts: do’s and don’ts

Do

• Do commit to a column structure for an entire section or chapter and change only when there’s a natural break within the content.
• Do adhere to strict alignment to the grid. Break the grid only with intention.
  
  

• Do utilize parent pages and customize layouts from there.
• Be creative with negative space.
• Change prismatic stripes only per section or per document, changing stripes per page is not necessary.
• Pay attention to column widths, particularly for single column layouts to ensure that line length does not get too long.
• Follow basic typographic etiquette.
  
  

Don’t

• Don’t change column structures when content should flow continuously from one layout to the next. Change column structures only when there are natural breaks within the content.
  

• Don’t limit your designs to the parent pages available in our templates. Design critically, and customize templates to fit your specific situation.
• Don’t overcrowd the page with too much content, work with the content lead to make adjustments.