The Paperkind field guide

Choose a grid that fits your project

Start with what you want to put on the page.

5 mm for a flexible starting point

A 5 mm square grid gives you ten cells over 50 mm. It is a useful starting point for handwritten equations, planning and small diagrams.

Quarter-inch grids

A quarter inch is exactly 6.35 mm. Choose the ¼ inch preset on the graph paper tool when you are working in inches. Switching the unit control changes how you enter spacing, rather than changing the physical size of the grid.

Give bigger ideas more room

Try 10 mm squares for larger diagrams or bold lettering. A smaller grid fits more detail but can be harder to read once notes and pencil marks are added.

Dots, triangles and stitch charts

Dot spacing is measured center to center. Isometric spacing is the side length of each equilateral triangle. Cross-stitch chart cells are a drawing aid: calculate your finished design from the fabric count separately.

Count before you print

The preview reports the number of squares or dots that fit inside your margins. If a design needs a fixed number of cells, adjust spacing or orientation until there is enough room.