Using the grid


    The grid appears as lines or dots behind your artwork, and it does not print. You use the grid to lay out objects or elements symmetrically. Selected artwork and tools snap to the grid if Snap To Grid is turned on.

    You can choose between two grid styles--dots and lines--and you can change the color of the grid by using either predefined grid colors or colors you select using a color picker. You can also change the spacing between major gridlines and subdividing gridlines.

To show or hide the grid:

    Choose View > Show Grid or View > Hide Grid.

To snap artwork to gridlines:

    Choose View > Snap to Grid. A check mark indicates that snapping is turned on.

    Note: When your document's viewing mode is Pixel Preview, the Snap to Grid command in the View menu changes to Snap to Pixel. For more information, see Working in pixel preview mode.

To change grid settings:

  1. Choose Edit > Preferences > Guides & Grid (Windows) or Illustrator > Preferences > Guides & Grid (Mac OS).
  2. Set any of the following options, and click OK:
    • Color to choose a color for the grid. If you choose Other, click the color box, choose a color from the color picker, and click OK.
    • Style to choose a display option for the gridlines.
    • Gridline Every to enter a new value (and unit of measure if necessary) for the spacing of primary gridlines.
    • Subdivisions to enter a value to subdivide the grid.
    • Grids in Back to display the grid behind all artwork; deselect the option to display the grid in front of all artwork.