law-of-proximity

Place related elements closer together than unrelated ones, using a consistent spacing scale such as 4px, 8px, 16px, 24px, and 32px. The ratio between within-group and between-group spacing creates the grouping, so no fixed pixel value is required.

The Law of Proximity is a Gestalt principle stating that elements close together are perceived as belonging to a group. In layouts, tight spacing implies relationship while whitespace signals separation, making it the most fundamental grouping tool.

Use proximity when spacing alone must carry the grouping, and common region when a visible container or boundary is appropriate. The two reinforce each other, but you generally do not need both for the same group.

The label should sit tighter to its own input than to the next field, so each label-input pair reads as a unit. Use your spacing scale consistently rather than a fixed value, since the ratio between gaps is what creates the grouping.

Misread structure is usually caused by inconsistent proximity, where unrelated elements sit too close or related ones too far apart. Squint at the layout: if groups are not legible without reading content, adjust the spacing ratios first.