Plug-in for Adobe InDesign (formerly Pro Edition)

Grid Calculator
Publishing Edition

Probably the world's fastest and smartest way of creating
professional layouts in Adobe InDesign.

30-day demo. Compatible with Adobe InDesign CC 2026.

Announcement

This page is being updated

This product page is still being built out — some sections are incomplete and content may change.

While many designers waste hours on math and manual setup, our users build reusable layout presets in minutes.

Baseline Grid

No more manual
calculations to
setup baseline grid

Enter your desired baseline grid and the plug-in will apply the closest fitting value or uncheck 'Fit Leading' to offset the document grid at the bottom but apply the exact entered baseline grid (leading). Additionally, if you set the top and bottom margins to custom values the baseline grid will fit perfectly in the type area (area within margins).

Baseline grid calculations in Adobe InDesign via Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Margins

Set margins based
on document grid
or custom values.

Regardless if your layout requires you to set custom margins not based on document grid or vice versa our plug-in handles either case with ease. Just check the box 'Value' to enter custom value.

Set margins based on document grid or custom values in Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Document Grid

Edit and control
your document
grid with perfect fit.

Easily setup and edit your document grid. No need to worry about entering the perfect values — the plug-in calculates everything for you. In Modular mode, just enter your desired values and click 'Calculate' (where image shows 'Clear').

Document grid setup in Adobe InDesign via Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Columns & rows

Smart Layout

If you know the number of columns and rows you wish to apply to your layout then Smart mode (that syncs with Modular mode) is the perfect choice. Set your document grid in Modular mode and then in Smart mode simply enter desired number of columns and rows along with gutter and adjust until you find your perfect setting.

Smart Layout mode in Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Typography

Paragraph and character
styles. Perfectly synchronized.

Align images to your text perfectly with image-lines based on x- or H-height. Dynamically adjust your text based on font size (or grid width) with indents/exdents and tabs.

InDesign paragraph and character styles perfectly synchronized with Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Multi-Master

Totally different
layouts in the
same document.

Multiple master pages handled with ease. Create multiple different layouts in the same file, the plug-in handles all restrictions such as document grid.

Multiple InDesign master pages work with Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Dynamic Layout

Layout adjusts to
your settings.

Your layout adjusts dynamically, instead of having to update all parts of your layouts.

Feature — 600×400

Templates & Presets

Build a library
of layouts.

Save and reuse your layouts organised in folders. No need to open InDesign files. Your presets travel with you across every project and are stored in your Documents folder.

Build a library of layout presets with Grid Calculator Publishing Edition

Layout Wizard

Which mode fits your project?

Answer a few questions for the Layout Wizard to recommend the right mode for your desired layout.

Quick mode

The easiest and most flexible mode in terms of creating a layout where you can setup custom margins that is not based on the document grid. You can also apply any baseline grid to the document or enter a desired value that will adjust for a perfect fit within the type area. This mode allows you to apply a custom type area grid (the area within the margins) and custom columns and rows.

Modular mode

Synced with Smart mode. Enter your desired grid cell width and height — Grid Calculator finds the closest matching values within the document grid. Allows you to create modules (big blocks) and split into subdivisions (small blocks).

Smart mode

Synced with Modular mode. Great if you already know the number of columns and rows you need for your layout — the type area expands or contracts to fit, think of it like reverse engineering your layout. You can also enter desired margin values and have the closest possible be applied and then pick whatever columns and rows fit.

Setup Mode Guide Layout Wizard

"Your approach is exactly the one I have been using for about 40 years, since the arrival of photosetting. When programs like Quark and InDesign came out, my method got forgotten, but now it seems we can work like this again."

"Once you understand Grid Calculator Pro Edition, you'll wish you had it years ago."

— InDesign Magazine

"A comprehensive tool for design pros creating grid-based layouts. It aims to take the pain out of the maths involved in creating grid-based systems."

— Computer Arts

Frequently asked questions

What versions of InDesign does Grid Calculator PE support?

Grid Calculator PE supports Adobe InDesign CC and all versions through InDesign 2026. When Adobe releases a new version, we update the plug-in to match — your subscription covers all updates at no extra cost.

Does it work on Windows?

Currently Grid Calculator PE is available for macOS only. Windows support will be investigated in a future update.

Can I use it on more than one computer?

Yes. Your license can be activated on up to 2 computers, but only used on one at a time.

What happens when I cancel my subscription?

Your access continues until the end of the current billing period. After that, the plug-in will stop working. Your presets are stored in Documents/Grid Calculator Publishing Edition and can be used again once plug-in is activated again.

Is there a free demo?

Yes — a 30-day demo is available for download from this page. The demo lets you evaluate all features before purchasing.

How do I install the plug-in?

Download the installer from this product page, close InDesign if it's running, and run the .pkg file. On next launch, Designers Bookshop menu will appear in Adobe InDesign. Activate plug-in; enter all details except license to activate demo or enter license to activate your license.

I upgraded InDesign — do I need to reinstall?

Yes. Each version of InDesign requires its own specific version of the plug-in. After upgrading InDesign, download the latest installer from the product page and run it. Your settings and presets will be preserved.

Purchase License

Cancel anytime. 30-day refund policy (see Terms of Service for detailed information).

Monthly

$15 / month
  • Plug-in for Adobe InDesign
  • Includes future InDesign version updates
  • Unlimited layouts and presets
  • Free plug-in updates
  • Email support
Purchase monthly

Yearly

$175 / year
  • Plug-in for Adobe InDesign
  • Includes future InDesign version updates
  • Unlimited layouts and presets
  • Free plug-in updates
  • Email support
Purchase yearly

Secure checkout via FastSpring
Mac · License activates on up to 2 computers, use on 1 at a time