Supportsoft Glossary

Composition: Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is a composition guideline that divides an image into a 3x3 grid. Placing focal points along these lines creates more dynamic and interesting visuals. 

The Rule of Thirds is the cheat code for good composition. Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid placed over an image (two vertical lines, two horizontal). Instead of putting the subject dead center—which often feels static and boring—you place them on one of those lines or at the intersection points.

This makes the image feel dynamic and natural. It allows the eye to wander through the scene rather than getting stuck in the middle. Whether we are cropping a photo for a header or laying out a web banner, we use this grid to find the "sweet spot."