How to use the rule of thirds with your designs
The enduring popularity of the rule of thirds is a testament to just how effective it is. Honestly, it really does work. But don’t just take our word for it, experiment with it yourself.
First you need to know the dimensions of the image you’ll be working with. Once you know the height and width of the image, divide each evenly by three and place marks at these intervals on the top, bottom, left and right sides of the image.
Next, draw four straight lines where you marked the intervals, two horizontal and two vertical. For instance, if your image is 30cm wide and 15cm tall, you would draw lines from top to bottom at the 10cm and 20cm marks, as well as from left to right at the 5cm and 10cm marks. Hey presto – you have your grid!
Step 2: Use the grid to structure your design
At the centre of your grid there will be four points where the lines of the grid intersect, often referred to as ‘powerpoints’. You should aim to place the most important visual features of your design on the powerpoints.
If your design entails any strong uses of lines, you should try to position these lines alongside either the vertical or horizontal lines of the grid.
Step 3: Use the rule of thirds to achieve balance and movement
Following this formula, you might end up with a design that has most of its prominent features in the first third, with the other two thirds left as mostly empty space. Though the design will be partly empty, it will still be evenly divided into thirds. This creates a sense of balance that feels right to the viewer.
Using the rule of thirds also creates a sense of movement in your designs. Designs that include key elements smack-bang in the middle often feel static and boring, because there’s nowhere for the viewer’s eye to wander. Using the rule of thirds, your viewer will spot a key feature off to the side, then take a visual journey through the rest of the image.