1# Canvas & Layout
2 
3Core canvas specifications and layout grids for Xiaohongshu infographics.
4 
5## Aspect Ratios
6 
7| Name | Ratio | Pixels | Note |
8|------|-------|--------|------|
9| portrait-3-4 | 3:4 | 1242×1660 | Highest traffic on XHS (recommended) |
10| square | 1:1 | 1242×1242 | Second recommended |
11| portrait-2-3 | 2:3 | 1242×1863 | Taller format |
12 
13**Default**: portrait-3-4 for maximum engagement.
14 
15## Safe Zones
16 
17Avoid placing critical content in these areas:
18 
19| Zone | Position | Reason |
20|------|----------|--------|
21| bottom-overlay | Bottom 10% | Title bar overlay on mobile |
22| top-right | Top-right corner | Like/share button overlay |
23| bottom-right | Bottom-right corner | Watermark position |
24 
25```
26┌─────────────────────────────┐
27│                 [like/share]│  ← top-right: avoid
28│                             │
29│                             │
30│      ✓ SAFE CONTENT AREA    │
31│                             │
32│                             │
33│  [title bar overlay area]   │  ← bottom 10%: avoid key info
34└─────────────────────────────┘
35```
36 
37## Grid Layouts
38 
39### Density-Based Layouts
40 
41| Layout | Info Density | Whitespace | Points/Image | Best For |
42|--------|--------------|------------|--------------|----------|
43| sparse | Low | 60-70% | 1-2 | Covers, quotes, impactful statements |
44| balanced | Medium | 40-50% | 3-4 | Standard content, tutorials |
45| dense | High | 20-30% | 5-8 | Knowledge cards, cheat sheets |
46 
47### Structure-Based Layouts
48 
49| Layout | Structure | Items | Best For |
50|--------|-----------|-------|----------|
51| list | Vertical enumeration | 4-7 | Rankings, checklists, step guides |
52| comparison | Left vs Right | 2 sections | Before/after, pros/cons |
53| flow | Connected nodes | 3-6 steps | Processes, timelines, workflows |
54| mindmap | Center radial | 4-8 branches | Concept maps, brainstorming, topic overview |
55| quadrant | 4-section grid | 4 sections | SWOT analysis, priority matrix, classification |
56 
57## Layout by Position
58 
59| Position | Recommended Layout | Why |
60|----------|-------------------|-----|
61| Cover | sparse | Maximum visual impact, clear title |
62| Setup | balanced | Context without overwhelming |
63| Core | balanced/dense/list | Based on content density |
64| Payoff | balanced/list | Clear takeaways |
65| Ending | sparse | Clean CTA, memorable close |
66 
67## Grid Cells
68 
69For multi-element compositions:
70 
71| Name | Cells | Use Case |
72|------|-------|----------|
73| single | 1 | Hero image, maximum impact |
74| dual | 2 | Before/after, comparison |
75| triptych | 3 | Steps, process flow |
76| quad | 4 | Product showcase |
77| six-grid | 6 | Checklist, collection |
78| nine-grid | 9 | Multi-image gallery |
79 
80## Visual Balance
81 
82### Sparse Layout
83- Single focal point centered
84- Breathing room on all sides
85- Symmetrical composition
86 
87### Balanced Layout
88- Top-weighted title
89- Evenly distributed content below
90- Clear visual hierarchy
91 
92### Dense Layout
93- Organized grid structure
94- Clear section boundaries
95- Compact but readable spacing
96 
97### List Layout
98- Left-aligned items
99- Clear number/bullet hierarchy
100- Consistent item format
101 
102### Comparison Layout
103- Symmetrical left/right
104- Clear visual contrast
105- Divider between sections
106 
107### Flow Layout
108- Directional flow (top→bottom or left→right)
109- Connected nodes with arrows
110- Clear progression indicators
111 
112### Mindmap Layout
113- Central topic node
114- Radial branches outward
115- Hierarchical sub-branches
116- Organic curved connections
117 
118### Quadrant Layout
119- 4-section grid (2×2)
120- Clear axis labels
121- Each quadrant with distinct content
122- Optional circular variant for cycles
123