{"id":524,"date":"2019-12-21T08:43:25","date_gmt":"2019-12-21T08:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/?p=524"},"modified":"2026-03-16T10:22:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T04:52:52","slug":"what-is-the-rule-of-thirds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/what-is-the-rule-of-thirds\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Rule of Thirds in Imagery?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The rule of thirds is the most common rule used in a photographic composition. It is a useful rule to create balanced and interesting shots. When it comes to capturing the subject and the focused object, it is essential to learn about the composition of a picture. This is where the Rule of Thirds plays its part.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Rule of Thirds Definition<\/strong><br \/>\nThe rule of thirds is used by laying a grid of a 3X3 composition, which eventually divides the image into 9 equal parts. This provides a structure to the image, and laying down various objects becomes easy. There are 4 lines in total which give rise to 4 intersection points. All the quadrants and intersection points have their importance. Studies say that the human eyes have most of their focus on the interaction points, not on the central focus of the shot taken. Let&#8217;s understand their significance.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Basic Rules of Thirds Grid<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6302\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_01-2.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Basic rule of thirds grid dividing an image into nine equal sections\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_01-2.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_01-2.png?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_01-2.png?resize=1024%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_01-2.png?resize=768%2C569&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All essential elements are placed on the intersection points of the grids. They are also termed as <strong>focal points<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1166\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_02.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Rule of thirds example showing how viewers scan images from left to right\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_02.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_02.png?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_02.png?resize=1024%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_02.png?resize=768%2C569&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Our eye then looks at a picture, and scans it from left to right.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1167\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_03.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Rule of thirds example placing the subject on the top-left intersection point\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_03.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_03.png?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_03.png?resize=1024%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_03.png?resize=768%2C569&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The object to be focused upon should be placed on the top-left intersection point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1168\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_04.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Rule of thirds composition highlighting the lower-left intersection point\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_04.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_04.png?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_04.png?resize=1024%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_04.png?resize=768%2C569&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The next intersection that holds the most weight is the lower-left intersection point. So the second most crucial element should be placed there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1169\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_05.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Rule of thirds grid used to position call-to-action elements in design\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_05.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_05.png?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_05.png?resize=1024%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_05.png?resize=768%2C569&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Placing the grid over a picture helps designers to position the call to action in a perfect manner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1170\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_06.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Rule of thirds composition creating symmetry and balanced visual design\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_06.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_06.png?resize=300%2C222&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_06.png?resize=1024%2C759&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_06.png?resize=768%2C569&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The rule of thirds introduces symmetry into your design by providing delightful visual results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1171\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_07.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Rule of thirds grid showing placement of elements based on visual weight\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The rest of the objects are placed in rectangles according to the weight they hold following the streak from top to bottom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>A Landscape view<\/strong><br \/>\n<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1172\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_08.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Landscape photography using rule of thirds with horizon aligned on grid line\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" \/><br \/>\nWhile clicking a landscape picture, the best way is to align the horizon with the horizontal lines. Keeping objects to focus, like in this one the sun on of the focal points.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>A portrait image<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The portrait above is aligned across the vertical lines, and the objects of importance like the eyes are placed on the intersection points.<br \/>\nThe rule of thirds helps in creating better layouts for your entire interface design. It brings symmetry and proportion to the design. It helps you in clicking better pictures, which conveys the correct message to the user.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1173\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/142.93.1.141\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Post23_09.png?resize=600%2C444\" alt=\"Portrait photography using rule of thirds with eyes placed on intersection points\" width=\"600\" height=\"444\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Master the art of composition with the Rule of Thirds! Elevate your visuals and design with precision. Ready to transform your UI\/UX? Connect with the best <a href=\"https:\/\/procreator.design\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>digital design agency<\/strong><\/a> for expert guidance<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/p>\n<style>#sp-ea-18279 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-18279.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-18279.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-18279.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-18279.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-18279.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1773574136\"><div id=\"sp-ea-18279\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-182790\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse182790\" aria-controls=\"collapse182790\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the Rule of Thirds in Imagery?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse182790\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-18279\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-182790\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p>The rule of thirds is a composition technique where an image is divided into a 3\u00d73 grid. Important elements are placed along the grid lines or at their intersection points to create balanced and visually appealing compositions.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-182791\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse182791\" aria-controls=\"collapse182791\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Why is the rule of thirds important in photography?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse182791\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-18279\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-182791\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p data-start=\"3605\" data-end=\"3845\">The rule of thirds helps photographers create more engaging and balanced images. By positioning subjects away from the center, it naturally guides the viewer\u2019s eyes across the image.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-182792\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse182792\" aria-controls=\"collapse182792\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Is the rule of thirds always necessary in photography?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse182792\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-18279\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-182792\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4941\">No, the rule of thirds is a guideline rather than a strict rule. While it helps create balanced compositions, photographers sometimes break it intentionally to achieve creative or dramatic effects.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The rule of thirds is the most common rule used in a photographic composition. It is a useful rule to create balanced and interesting shots. When it comes to capturing the subject and the focused object, it is essential to learn about the composition of a picture. This is where the Rule of Thirds plays [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1174,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-process","category-ui-design"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=524"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18280,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524\/revisions\/18280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/procreator.design\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}