How to Use the Rule of Thirds for Powerful Designs & Photos

Table Of Content

• The Role of Micro-interactions in Modern UX
• The Ultimate Collection of 200+ Best Free Content Marketing Templates
• What is white space in graphic design
• How To Use The Rule Of Thirds In Graphic Design (Complete Guide)
• Podcast Thumbnail Ideas to Boost Your Show’s Visual Appeal + Best Practices
• Don’t overcrowd intersections

Revisit the link to the video I posted, Maisel has some very good advice in that video. In my opinion I think that one should spend more time trying to find who they are as a photographer and how they compose and put photographs together. To make bodies of work that have images relating to one another in some kind of visual or conceptual way and let go of as Maisel says all these GD rules.

The Role of Micro-interactions in Modern UX

The focus is on the image while the contact details and call to action are additional information that is placed in the lower thirds. Understand how the rule of thirds is used in design to create designs that are naturally pleasing to the eye. The rule of thirds provides a framework that helps you with the composition of your designs. Lack of vision in images isn’t about the rules, but failing to understand them well enough to know how to wisely use them for benefit and when choosing not to, know why not. Blaming guidelines for better composition for mediocrity in the results is misguided.

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The Ultimate Collection of 200+ Best Free Content Marketing Templates

One of the most effective ways to use the rule of thirds in web design is to place the call to action either in one of the four sweet spots, or along the divider lines. The same thing happens when we use the rule of thirds in our design. Our eyes need help in knowing what to look at first, and the rule of thirds helps us naturally create a sense of visual hierarchy that opposes the tendency to center everything perfectly. In our editable Design Wizard template, we moved the horizon in the photo to match the top line of the rule of thirds grid. This is a commonly used technique in photography to show more of the subject matter and less empty space.

What is white space in graphic design

High-quality images with a nostalgic aesthetic appear below the fold on the left. These images are hard to miss and even harder to look away from. Let’s also hop on Nordstrom’s website for a minute to see how they’ve leveraged the rule of thirds.

Enter the Rule of Thirds, a simple yet powerful tool in the composition toolbox. For any tactful web designer, placing more spacious and relevant elements on the top half of any website page can be a great strategy to swear by. According to the rule of thirds in graphic design, you want the audience browsing the link to find all high-priority objects without having to scroll on their devices. For any cinematographer, bringing the focus of attention to your subject can set a professional apart from an amateur. However, achieving such a dynamic final product is not as easy as a front-facing design. This is precisely where the rule of thirds can come in to save the day!

The human figure is the subject or the focal point, placed along the right line. This way, the focus remains on the subject, but the other visual elements complement it and set the scene. Experiment and align elements on each side of the canvas while leaving the center blank or place most of your design elements to one side and aim for a two-thirds style layout. Use the rule of thirds grid lines to align elements and try various compositions.

Don’t overcrowd intersections

When you’re trying to come up with a focal point for your design, it’s essential to move it out of the center boxes unless you are trying intentionally to break the rule and have a valid reason for doing so. To stand out, you need to make sure your thumbnail is legible, tells a story, and uses contrast accordingly. Oh, and of course the rule of thirds helps with all of these elements. Note how the Black Swan title spans between the bottom left and bottom right quadrants to grab our attention, while the top two-thirds are used for just the art. This is a common way to divide up your design and create contrast between the sections. Breaking away from the rule of thirds, let's apply the rule in a counterintuitive way.

Use the Grid as a Guide to Structure Your Design

Designers and photographers use this as a way to arrange their photos and designs in a naturally pleasing way. Align the main focus of your design with at least one of the four central intersections of the grid and viewers will automatically see this first. But, knowing how to use them to your advantage is what will set your design apart.

Enhancing Composition

Allows for content and ad personalization across Google services based on user behavior. Permits storing data to personalize content and ads across Google services based on user behavior, enhancing overall user experience. Although it is rare, you can completely disregard the rule in a few cases. For instance, if you see a balance in the scene, there is no need for the rule of thirds. Like in the picture below, you may find symmetry in landscapes with lake and river reflections, seas, and wet roads. Even though you might not use the Rule of Thirds 100% of the time, there are some interesting ways it improves your designs as a graphic artist.

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Techniques like symmetry, balance, and contrast are crucial in crafting an appealing composition. Overusing the rule can lead to predictability and diminish its effect on your audience. After all, it’s the unexpected that often catches our attention. The rule of thirds is relatively easy to use, but there are a few common mistakes to watch for and avoid. Lastly, the rule of thirds plays a pivotal role in boosting engagement.

While the Golden Ratio and Phi Grid have their merits, the Rule of Thirds offers a simpler and more versatile approach. It’s easier to implement and adapt to different screen sizes and layouts. Unlike the fixed ratios of the Golden Ratio and Phi Grid, the Rule of Thirds provides more flexibility in placing key elements precisely where they need to be. When we look at wildlife photography or other similar results, we can see how the rule is used. Below the hummingbird is on the right side of the composition with blurred backgrounds.

While taking this photo, the goal was to make it look somewhat striking and unexpected. Had the photo followed the rule of thirds, it would not have conveyed that emotional message. Julie Powell is a passionate photographer and educator, running online classes and workshops for still life, macro, food and portraits, based in Melbourne, Australia.