How can I overlay a grid on top of Windows?

I am looking for a way to overlay an editable grid on top of Windows OS to be able to check if UI elements are aligned.

Does this sort of desktop utility exist?

Sammy Guergachi

Posted 2013-04-06T22:53:54.667

Reputation: 121

any reason for the down vote? I thought my question was clear enough. If its confusing i'm willing to clarify even further. – Sammy Guergachi – 2013-04-06T23:27:18.970

I'm not downvoting this, but I believe this question is more suitable for one of the StackExchange programming boards like http://programmers.stackexchange.com or http://stackoverflow.com

– Havenard – 2013-04-06T23:40:50.787

asking for software recommendations is off-topic as specified in the FAQ

– nc4pk – 2013-04-06T23:42:03.577

possible duplicate of Looking for a way to make a grid on the screen to help position elements and Good on-screen ruler application for Windows?

– Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007 – 2013-04-07T03:05:14.920

Answers

There are a few "on-screen ruler" programs out there, that is what I use to align things. The one I am using now can be horizontal or vertical, the size adjustable both ways, adjustable transparency. and the "markers" could be set with very long extended lines in the options.

I paid a small price for the one I use, but with a quick google search, and avoiding getting a crudware install, you could probably find a legit free one out there.

checkout Dwarf for a grid, but I think it is overkill for just checking if things are straight or not.

Psycogeek

Posted 2013-04-06T22:53:54.667

Reputation: 8 067

Many screenshot utilities have a mode where the area to be captured can be selected. The crosshairs (horizontal and vertical lines) that are used to select the area can be used to check alignment. You can always abort taking the screenshot if you don't need it, or just let it capture to the clipboard.

One utility that works this way is the free Greenshot screen capture utility.

Wayne Johnston

Posted 2013-04-06T22:53:54.667

Reputation: 3 416