Layout vs. Lay Out
“Layout” is a noun for the way something is arranged or designed. “Lay out” is a phrasal verb with senses including arranging items, planning a design, explaining something clearly, or spending money. Use word class to choose the spacing.
Use “layout” for the noun meaning an arrangement or design; use “lay out” for the verb meaning to arrange, explain, or set something out.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| noun: arrangement or design | layout | Use one word. |
| verb: arrange, display, or explain | lay out | Use two words. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the word naming an arrangement/design rather than an action?
If yes: Use “layout.”
If no: If it is the verb, use “lay out.”
Caveat: The phrasal verb has several related senses, but the one-word/two-word distinction follows noun versus verb use.
Examples
The page layout needs more white space.
The noun is one word.
Lay out the cards in three rows.
The verb phrase is two words.
The report lays out the reasons for the change.
The explanatory verb remains two words.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Layout” names the arrangement; “lay out” describes the action.
Fast Test
If the expression can become “laid out” or “laying out,” use two words.
Sense Boundary
“Lay out” has multiple verb senses, but all retain the open phrasal-verb spelling.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- LAYOUT — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Noun meaning for “layout” as the arrangement or design of something
- LAY SOMETHING OUT — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Phrasal-verb meanings for “lay out,” including arrange and explain clearly