All About Golden Ratio

 

What is the Golden Ratio?

The Golden Ratio is the number used when two quantities are divided in a way that their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger one of the two quantities. That number is 1.618

The Golden Ratio is actually a lot simpler than it looks. And it’s found everywhere. The Golden Spiral appears in nature all around us.

How to use the Golden Ratio in graphic design?

One of the best things about the Golden Ratio is that it gives you a simple number to help structure the otherwise expressive nature of design. Simply multiply an element’s size by 1.618 to figure out the size of another element, or overlay the Golden Spiral to adjust their placement. You can use the Golden Ratio to guide you in your layouts, typography, imagery and more.

1. Typography hierarchy

When creating any design that uses text, always consider messaging hierarchy in your layout. Whether it’s a poster, a wedding invitation or a website layout, you can use the Golden Ratio to guide your typography sizes.

2. Image composition

When considering the harmony of your images, it’s always good to stop, take a step back and come back with a fresh eye. But if you don’t have the time to ponder your works of art, a quicker alternative is the Golden Spiral.

Using the Golden Spiral, you can work out where focal points need to be, how to centralize a headline for maximum impact, or which elements need to be shifted to give the design more energy.

3. Logo design

A well-conceived logo is vital to your brand so people can understand your core message at almost a single glance. That’s why it’s a great idea to consider the Golden Ratio when designing a logo to instantly draw people in and help them connect.

When designing a logo, you can even imagine the Fibonacci sequence as a series of circles, then rearrange them to form a grid as the foundation for your logo design. This is the basis of many logos, including the Twitter bird. 

4. Layouts

When you’re challenged with a bunch of different things in a single layout, it’s always useful to use the Golden Spiral to guide your placement of each element. We are naturally drawn to the center of the spiral, so it’s often best to place your most important message there.

Memorize this number: 1.618

This number is your new best friend. Multiply a font size or a design element by the Golden Ratio, and you’re one step closer to see your layout start coming together. Or you can always overlay the Golden Spiral as a handy guide.