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Layout Grids and Spacing in Figma: Create Balanced UI Designs

Written by Pawan Swami | 28 Oct, 2025 11:15:00 AM

Grids help maintain balance and alignment.

1. Why Layout Grids Matter

Layout grids provide structure to your design. They help you:

  • Align elements consistently
  • Maintain visual balance
  • Build responsive designs
  • Simplify handoff to developers

A well-structured grid makes even complex layouts feel clean and organized.

2. Adding Layout Grids in Figma

  1. Select a Frame (F) that will act as your artboard.
  2. Open the Layout Grid panel in the right sidebar.
  3. Click “+” to add a grid.
  4. Choose a grid type:
    • Columns: Ideal for responsive web and content alignment
    • Rows: Useful for vertical spacing
    • Grid (square): Good for modular design

Adjust Count, Gutter, and Margin to match your design needs.

3. Spacing Between Elements

Consistent spacing improves readability and hierarchy.

  • Use Smart Guides (View → Show Smart Guides) to snap objects to grid lines.
  • Apply consistent padding inside frames.
  • Use Auto Layout to automatically manage spacing between buttons, cards, and lists.

Example: Buttons inside a horizontal row with equal gaps using Auto Layout.

4. Responsive Grids

For responsive designs:

  • Use Columns with Stretch or Left / Right alignment.
  • Adjust Gutters and Margins based on screen size.
  • Nest frames inside a parent frame to maintain consistent spacing when scaling.

Combine Grids + Auto Layout for dynamic, adaptive layouts that resize automatically.