Layout Documentation

Layout documentation describes the systems and patterns for structuring page content in design systems. This includes grid systems, spacing scales, responsive behavior, and common page templates. Effective layout documentation ensures consistent page structure across products and teams.

What Is Layout Documentation

Layout documentation covers how to arrange content on pages using design system elements. This encompasses grid definitions specifying columns, gutters, and margins. Spacing scales define consistent measurements. Responsive behavior explains layout changes across breakpoints. Page templates show common layout configurations.

Layout creates the skeleton that components populate. Without consistent layout, even identical components feel inconsistent. Layout documentation ensures this structural layer maintains coherence across implementations.

How Layout Documentation Works

Grid documentation specifies the foundational layout structure. Column counts, column widths, gutter sizes, and margin definitions provide the framework. Responsive grid behavior explains how these values change at different viewports. Code implementation shows how to apply the grid system.

Spacing documentation covers the measurement system beyond the grid. A spacing scale like 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 pixels provides consistent values for margins, padding, and gaps. Token integration makes these values accessible in code. Usage guidelines explain when to use which spacing values.

Template documentation shows grid and spacing applied to common page types. Dashboard layouts, form pages, content pages, and other templates demonstrate layout patterns in context. Templates combine layout with placeholder content to show complete page structures.

Key Considerations

• Grid specifications should include all values needed for implementation
• Spacing scales should be comprehensive and consistently applied
• Responsive behavior documentation should show layout changes at each breakpoint
• Templates demonstrate layout patterns in realistic page contexts

Common Questions

How much flexibility should layout documentation allow?

Layout documentation should balance consistency with legitimate variation needs. Core grid and spacing values should be followed consistently for structural coherence. Within those constraints, teams need flexibility to address unique content and context. Documentation should specify which layout aspects are fixed requirements versus guidelines with acceptable variation. Escape hatches for unusual situations prevent teams from forcing content into inappropriate layouts while maintaining consistency for typical cases.

How do teams document responsive layout behavior?

Responsive layout documentation should show layout state at each defined breakpoint. Side-by-side comparisons demonstrate how layouts transform. Behavior specifications explain what changes and why, such as columns collapsing on mobile or navigation moving to a drawer. Code examples show implementation of responsive behavior. Some documentation systems provide interactive viewport controls allowing users to see responsive changes in real time.

Summary

Layout documentation describes page structure systems including grids, spacing, and responsive behavior. Effective documentation combines specifications with templates showing layouts in context. This documentation ensures consistent page structure across design system implementations.