The rule of thirds is a composition guideline used in visual arts such as photography, painting, and film-making. The guideline proposes that an image should be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center, or prevent a horizon from appearing to divide the picture in half. The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy, and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject. The rule of thirds is helpful in a wide variety of scenarios, and it is a powerful and versatile method of photographic composition that can greatly enhance the visual appeal of an image. However, it is not a hard-and-fast rule, and it can be broken to create a sense of tension or a minimalist feel.