Fun with the MakeGrid script
As I was writing a feature article about grids for the next issue of InDesign Magazine, I started playing around with the MakeGrid script, which has been included with InDesign since at least CS3. I’ve used this script for years as a way to quickly divide a frame up into a grid of smaller frames. But did you know that you can use this script to create grids of circles, polygons, lines, or curves drawn in InDesign? (Warning: this is kind of fun, and can turn into a real time-sucker!) Here’s a simple example:
1. Draw a large diagonal line. This one is 4 inches long, 45 degree angle, 7 points thick.
2. Double-click on the MakeGrid script, found in the Samples folder in the Script panel. (The scripts panel is located in Window > Automation > Scripts in InDesign CS3/CS4, and Window > Utilities > Scripts in CS5).
3. Fill in the dialog as shown below, and click the OK button.
4. This should be the result:
5. Now, select the original diagonal line, flip it horizontally and run the script again:
6. Here is the result after applying the following stroke attributes, and changing the opacity to 40%:
The variations you could create on this are endless. What good is this? I’m not sure, but it is fun!
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Cool, Keith! I love demoing MakeGrid to clients and at conferences. But (as I’m sure you point out in your article) it’s not just for fun. There are great uses for MakeGrid in real world production settings.
But I’ve never tried using it on a line! Wow.
I also just learned something else: You can use negative values for the gutters! That lets you create even more amazing patterns.
Now, try using negative gutters and then start to Undo through the steps… you can sometimes get even cooler patterns by undoing halfway through the process. Twisted!
Ah yes, before gridify came into play I’d always use the make grid script for placeholders for images, it was awesomely quick.
Here’s a post I contributed to on the adobe forums where I used the make grid and some effects.
https://forums.adobe.com/message/2801123#2801123
Notice that InDesign may start to run a bit slow, at which point make a pdf of your cool background, then place that as the image for your background.
The possibilites are endless :)
*waits for Mike*
Cool post – it’s always fun to mess with stuff. I must remember this one, because I’ve only been making grids with four sided objects! Time to get more creative. Perhaps a Squricle would be good???
Interesting, thanks!
Also don’t forget TeaCup’s Patternmaker plugin which allows a few pattern modes free for similar results but more previewability.