diff --git a/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/BasePreferences.java b/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/BasePreferences.java
index 7774dfed6c23..473faa928fb8 100644
--- a/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/BasePreferences.java
+++ b/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/BasePreferences.java
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 package com.intellij.internal.rulerguide;
 
+import com.intellij.openapi.util.registry.Registry;
 import com.intellij.ui.JBColor;
 
 import java.awt.*;
@@ -21,7 +22,9 @@ final class BasePreferences {
             new Color(255, 255, 255, 32)
     );
     
-    public static final int ALLOWED_GAP = 1;
+    public static int getAllowedGap() {
+        return Registry.intValue("ide.ruler.guide.allowed.gap", 1);
+    }
 
     private BasePreferences() {
     }
diff --git a/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/RulerGuidePainter.java b/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/RulerGuidePainter.java
index 1ef0dfe1fe1b..5880f2d45084 100644
--- a/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/RulerGuidePainter.java
+++ b/platform/platform-impl/src/com/intellij/internal/rulerguide/RulerGuidePainter.java
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ final class RulerGuidePainter extends AbstractPainter implements Disposable {
                 int horizontalOffset = Math.abs(baselineOtherPoint.y - baselinePivotPoint.y);
                 if (verticalOffset == 0 || horizontalOffset == 0) {
                     g2d.setColor(FINE_COLOR);
-                } else if (verticalOffset <= ALLOWED_GAP || horizontalOffset <= ALLOWED_GAP) {
+                } else if (verticalOffset <= getAllowedGap() || horizontalOffset <= getAllowedGap()) {
                     g2d.setColor(ERROR_COLOR);
                 } else continue;
 
diff --git a/platform/util/resources/misc/registry.properties b/platform/util/resources/misc/registry.properties
index 8f964b07ea7e..d05b136230ab 100644
--- a/platform/util/resources/misc/registry.properties
+++ b/platform/util/resources/misc/registry.properties
@@ -1267,6 +1267,8 @@ ide.window.shadow.painter=false
 ide.window.shadow.painter.restartRequired=true
 ide.window.shadow.painter.description=Enables light-weight shadows for heavy-weight child windows (Windows only)
 
+ide.ruler.guide.allowed.gap=2
+ide.ruler.guide.allowed.gap.description=Gap in pixels considered as an error in the layout
 ide.win.frame.decoration=true
 ide.win.frame.decoration.description=Enables Frame and Dialog decorations for IntelliJ and Darcula LaFs on Windows
 ide.win.frame.decoration.restartRequired=true