Table of Contents
Have you ever scrolled through someone’s feed and wondered how they make it look that good? Like every post fits together, every tile flows, and the whole thing feels… planned?
It’s not an accident. All scroll-stopping Instagram feeds have one thing in common: they use an Instagram grid template. And before you ask, it does not have anything to do with Instagram’s upcoming drag-and-drop update. It’s about creating a layout that helps you post with intention.
This guide uncovers it all so your feed finally looks as good as the content you’re posting. Let’s get started!
What Is an Instagram Grid Template & Why You Should Use One
An Instagram grid template is a visual plan or layout used to map out how your posts will appear on your profile [pkwydigital.com]. Think of it as a blueprint for your feed. You’ll be able to see the bigger picture before you hit publish.
These templates are especially useful if you want your profile to tell a story or maintain a consistent aesthetic. Whether you’re a content creator, brand, or business, using a grid template makes your page more appealing at first glance.
By planning your Instagram grid pictures in advance, you can:
- Create a more professional-looking feed
- Keep your visuals aligned with your brand identity
- Make strategic use of color, spacing, and repetition
- Save time by batching and scheduling content
It’s not just about making your feed pretty. A grid template helps you stand out and stay consistent. The next section discusses the most popular strategy/template and whether it’s right for you.
The 9-Grid Strategy: Explained with Examples
You’re probably thinking… what is a 9 grid Instagram strategy? Simply put, it’s a way of organizing your feed into a 3×3 layout that together forms one larger, cohesive visual story [nicholettevonreiche.com]. This is done by slicing or cropping a single image into nine pieces. It’s a favorite for brands who want to tell a bigger story and instantly capture attention.
But can anyone use it? Oh yes. The Instagram 9 grid post template isn’t reserved for big brands with design teams. It’s for you, the small business owner who wants their page to pop, the content creator who’s tired of random posts cluttering their vibe, or even just someone who loves the idea of their feed telling a bigger story.
While the 9-grid is one of the flashiest ways to make an impact, it’s far from your only option. Here are some popular grid “templates” you can use to shape your feed:
- Checkerboard: Alternate between two post styles (like quotes and photos) to create a pattern that’s easy on the eyes.
- Row by row: Each row shares a theme, story, or color palette, so as someone scrolls, they see mini collections of three.
- Columns: Keep each column consistent, for example, your left column might always feature tips, the middle for products, and the right for lifestyle shots.
- Puzzle feeds: Go big by connecting posts across multiple rows. This often involves designing 6 or 12 posts as one large image that breaks into individual squares.
How to Create Your Instagram Grid Template
Ready to try it? Here’s a simple game plan:
- Pick your style: Decide if you want a checkerboard, a seamless puzzle feed, a themed row approach, or the classic 9-grid reveal.
- Plan your posts: Choose your core content types (quotes, product shots, reels, behind-the-scenes) and figure out how they’ll repeat or flow.
- Use tools like Canva or Planoly: Canva is perfect for designing custom tiles that line up, while Preview or Planoly let you drag and drop to see your whole feed before posting.
- Batch create: Make several posts at once so your style stays consistent.
- Schedule smart: If you’re doing a split image (like the 9-grid), start from the bottom right when uploading so it appears correctly on your profile.
By choosing a template and mapping it out ahead of time, you’ll always know what to post next, and your feed will look effortlessly polished.
How to Make a Photo Grid on Instagram (3 Simple Ways)
So, how do you actually pull off one of these grids without losing your mind (or spending hours cropping images)?
Here are three easy ways to create a stunning photo grid on Instagram:
- Use a grid app: Apps like Preview, Planoly, or even Canva’s Instagram grid features let you slice up a single image into 3, 6, or 9 squares. They show you exactly how your posts will look once uploaded, so there are no surprises. Just upload, cut, and post in order.
- Design it manually: If you’re comfortable with a tool like Canva or Photoshop, you can create nine individual posts that work together. This gives you total creative control. Just make sure to save everything in the right order so it lines up perfectly on your feed.
- Plan it out in a scheduling tool: Platforms like Later or Plann let you drag and drop your future posts into a mock Instagram grid. You can see how everything fits together before you ever hit publish, adjusting your content until it looks just right.
Instagram Grid Template Tools
You already know the names, but here’s a quick breakdown of how these tools compare so you can pick the one that’s right for you.
| Tool | Free Plan? | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canva | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very easy | Custom grids, brand colors, full creative control |
| Preview | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ Easy | Seeing your entire feed before posting, scheduling posts |
| Planoly | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very easy | Drag-and-drop planning, keeping a consistent look |
| 9Square | Yes | ⭐⭐ Simple | Splitting one photo into a seamless grid fast |
| Grid Post | Yes | ⭐⭐ Simple | Quick iOS grid slicing, clean and straightforward |
- If you want full design freedom, go with Canva. It’s perfect for building custom tiles, adding text, or sticking to your brand style.
- If you’re more about seeing your feed laid out ahead of time, Preview or Planoly are your best bet. They’re built for Instagram planning.
- If you just want to split a single image into 9 squares and call it a day, 9Square or Grid Post make it quick and painless.
What to Focus On
It’s easy to get lost trying to create the “perfect” Instagram grid, obsessing over every tile, color shade, or tiny misalignment. But perfection isn’t the goal. What matters most is consistency [thevirtualelf.com].
Ask yourself:
- What story do I want someone to see when they land on my profile?
- Are my posts staying true to my brand vibe, whether that’s playful, minimalist, bold, or earthy?
- Am I repeating certain colors, fonts, or types of posts that tie everything together?
Also, think about how your individual posts stand alone. Each one should offer value by itself, even if it’s part of a bigger grid. That way, your feed looks amazing at a glance, and your followers still get great content every time they see you pop up.
So instead of stressing over flawless lines, focus on clear messaging, staying authentic, and making your feed an inviting place people want to explore.
Conclusion: Here’s What to Do Next
Your Instagram doesn’t have to be just a random string of posts. With a little planning, whether that’s through a simple grid template or a full-on 9-grid strategy, you can turn your profile into a powerful first impression that tells people exactly who you are and what you’re about.
And if it doesn’t turn out flawless the first time? That’s okay. Content evolves, just like your brand. Keep experimenting, stay consistent, and watch how your grid starts working for you, bringing in followers who get it and stick around for more.
If you’re ready to level up your Instagram (without all the guesswork), our team’s here to help. Just fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!
What is an Instagram grid template?
An Instagram grid template is a visual layout plan, commonly a 3×3 or checkerboard pattern, designed to make your feed look cohesive and strategic. These templates help you see how posts flow together, streamline content planning, and maintain brand consistency.
How do you make a 9-grid Instagram post?
To create a seamless 9-grid post (3×3 mosaic), use a tool like Canva, Preview, or Planoly to slice a single image into nine equal parts. Upload the tiles in reverse order (bottom-right first) so the overall image aligns correctly in your grid.
What are the current Instagram grid dimensions?
Instagram now uses a taller preview grid with a 4:5 aspect ratio (1080 × 1350 px) . For optimal results, design with key visuals centered in a 1:1 space (1080 × 1080 px) to accommodate both square and vertical previews.
How often should I update my Instagram grid layout?
There’s no set schedule, but it’s wise to refresh your grid when launching a campaign, shifting brand aesthetics, or embracing seasonal themes. Regularly updating helps keep your layout fresh and audience engagement high.
Why is having a cohesive Instagram grid important?
Your Instagram grid is like a visual storefront, the first thing people see. A well-planned grid enhances brand identity, improves user experience, boosts engagement, and turns casual visitors into followers or customers.
Pia Vosloo
CEO | Founder of MotherTyper
Join Our Newsletter
