Layout Grid Generator

Script for Adobe Photoshop

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Overview

The Layout Grid Generator is a powerful Photoshop script that allows users to create customizable grid layouts using Photoshop's guide system. It provides a user-friendly interface for setting up precise margins, columns, and rows with real-time previews.

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Whether you're crafting a multi-column print layout, poster design, or a pixel-perfect UI, the Layout Grid Generator ensures your elements align perfectly, resulting in a clean and professional design composition.

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Features

• Interactive margin controls with linking option.
• Customizable column and row settings.
• Adjustable gutters between columns and rows.
• Live preview of guide placement.
• Guide visibility toggle.
• Gutter and margin linking for uniform adjustments.
• Responsive sliders for visual adjustment.

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Installation

1. Download the Layout Grid Generator.jsx script file.

Place the script in your Photoshop Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Photoshop [Version]/Presets/Scripts/

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [Version]\Presets\Scripts\

3. Restart Photoshop if it's already running.

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Layout Grid Generator

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Using the Script

Upon execution, the Layout Grid Generator dialog box appears with multiple options:

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➊ Set Margins

The Margins menu in the Layout Grid Generator script allows you to control the space between the edge of your document and the content area.

 

 

Users can set the top, bottom, left, and right margins in pixels:

• 1.1 Top Margin (↑)
  Controls space from the top edge of the document.
  
  
• 1.2 Bottom Margin (↓)
  Controls space from the bottom edge of the document.
  
  
• 1.3 Left Margin (←)
  Controls space from the left edge of the document.
  
  
• 1.4 Right Margin (→)
  Controls space from the right edge of the document.
  
  
• 1.5 Linked Margins
  A horizontal slider lets you adjust all margins simultaneously when the 'Link Margins' checkbox is enabled. The "+" and "-" buttons on either end of the slider allow for single-pixel adjustments.

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Individual Margin Inputs:

• When the 'Link Margins' checkbox disabled, each margin can be adjusted independently.
• Input fields allow manual entry for precision.
• Keyboard Up/Down arrow keys adjust values incrementally.
• Shift + Up/Down increases or decreases values in larger steps.
• Click arrow buttons (↑←→↓) for individual margin adjustments when margins are unlinked.
• Click +/– buttons for incrementing/decrementing all margins simultaneously when margins are linked.

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➋ Define Columns

The Columns Panel in the Layout Grid Generator allows users to define the number of columns and the spacing between them within your document's content area.

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2.1 Number of Columns (Quantity)

• Users can manually enter a specific number of columns or use the slider for quick adjustments.
• The grid automatically divides the available space based on the selected column count.
• Tip: Up and Down Arrow keys adjust values incrementally. Shift + Arrow keys adjust in larger steps.

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2.2 Column Spacing (Gutter)

• Defines the space between columns, preventing elements from touching each other.
• Adjustable using the input field or the slider
• The combination of columns and gutters creates a balanced visual rhythm.

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➌ Define Rows

The Rows Panel is an essential component of the Layout Grid Generator script that allows you to define and customize the horizontal divisions within your document's content area.

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3.1 Number of Rows (Quantity)

• Users can manually enter a specific number of rows or use the slider for quick adjustments.
• The grid divides the available space based on the selected row count.
• Tip: Up and Down Arrow keys adjust values incrementally. Shift + Arrow keys adjust in larger steps.

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3.2 Row Spacing (Gutter)

• Defines the vertical spacing between rows, ensuring proper content separation.
• Adjustable using the input field or the slider.
• The combination of rows and gutters creates a balanced vertical rhythm.

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➍ Applying the Layout Grid

The OK button in the Layout Grid Generator script serves as the final action to apply your grid configuration to the Photoshop document. Here's a detailed explanation of its functionality:

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• Generates a structured grid based on the defined margins, columns, rows, and gutters.
• The grid is created as guides for precise alignment.
• Closes the dialog box.

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➏ Additional Tips

To maximize efficiency and precision while using the Layout Grid Generator, here are some essential tips for key functionalities:

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🅰 Additional Controls

• Link Margins Checkbox
  Toggle to control all margins together or individually. When linked all margins update simultaneously. When unlinked you can adjust each margin independently.
  
  
• Link Gutters Checkbox
  When checked, row and column gutters update together.

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🅱 Toggle Guides Visibility

• Click to show/hide guides without closing the dialog.
• Helps temporarily hide the grid for a cleaner view of your artwork.
• If guides are not appearing, check if the View > Show > Guides option is enabled.

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🅲 Cancel Button

• Removes the layout grid without affecting other artwork.
• If you’ve made changes but want to start over, clicking Cancel and re-running the script is the fastest way to reset settings.

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🅳 Open User Guide

• Located in the footer of the dialog box, represented by the ⏼ icon.
• Clicking it opens the official user guide in a web browser.

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☻ Wrap-Up

The Layout Grid Generator is a powerful Photoshop script designed to streamline the creation of precise grid systems for your design projects.

By mastering this tool, you'll save significant time in your workflow while ensuring consistent alignment and spacing throughout your projects. The real-time preview functionality allows you to experiment with different grid configurations until you find the perfect balance for your specific design needs.

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