However, a common question that comes to mind is whether the website should have a fluid or fixed layout? Each option has its pros and cons. However, the ultimate decision depends on usability. It’s time to switch to fluid web designs. A web page that uses a fixed layout is not quite popular. Web designers are recommending to switch to a fluid layout. Should you still stick to a fixed layout website? With all the confusion, it is necessary to make the right decision. By considering a few factors, you can eventually have a successful layout design that will reap all benefits.
Fixed Layout Web Designs
In this type of layout, the width of the entire page is set to a specific numerical value. It is a professional approach in which the designer needs to define the width of the page irrespective of the size of the browser window. Some popular examples of such websites like CNN, Yahoo, etc. No matter what screen resolution the visitor has, they will see the same width as other visitors. Designers with a print background often prefer them, as it remains consistent across browsers.
PROS
Fixed width layouts are easy to use and customize There is less hassle with videos, images, and other content, as the width is the same for every browser. No need for keeping minimum and maximum width, as anyway, the browser does not support it. The content will be wide enough at larger resolutions, even if the website is designed to be compatible with the smallest screen resolution.
CONS
Small screens may require a horizontal scroll bar. A fixed width layout may create excessive white space for users with large screens. They have a lower score when it comes to usability.
Fluid Layout Web Designs
What is the fluid layout? In this type of layout, the width of the page is flexible, depending on the width of the viewer’s browser. They are based on the percentages of the current browser window size. These layouts adjust to the size of the window. Designers who have lots of information to be displayed in limited space often prefer these layouts. There is a good reason to use any one of the layout methods, but before making any decision, you should be aware of the pros and cons of both orders. Fluid versus fixed to refer to whether your web page will stretch or remain fixed with a change in the browser window.
PROS
The fluid web page design can be more users friendly as it adjusts to user setup. The extra white space is equal between all screen resolutions that are more appealing. A fluid layout can eliminate horizontal scroll bars in smaller screens.
CONS
The designer has less control over what the visitor sees and overlooks problems because the layout seems fine on their screen resolution. With incredibly large screen resolutions, insufficient content may create excess white space. Videos, images, and graphics with defined widths may need to be set with multiple widths so that it can accommodate various screen resolutions.
Fixed Layout Vs. Fluid Layout
There is no right answer, as everyone has different priorities set while designing websites. While making your website, you can revisit some of your favorite websites and see what type of layout – fixed layout or fluid layout, they have. You can try resizing the browser window that may give you an idea of which layout is more appropriate for your business.
