Why to use the FIXED WIDTH page design?

Discussion in 'HTML & Website Design' started by yn_common, Jun 16, 2009.

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  1. #1
    Hi!

    Could you explain - why to use the FIXED WIDTH page design?
    Foe example, browse the freecsstemplates.org or something, and MOST of all templates are with a fixed width design.

    Why? And what is the benefits?
     
    yn_common, Jun 16, 2009 IP
  2. pod

    pod Peon

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    #2
    Using a fixed width ensures that a site will be able to cater to the lowest common denominator (usually 800x600) - this minimizes display anomalies across browsers and resolutions, so no matter what machine or device you use to view the web page, you see the layout as intended.

    HTH!
     
    pod, Jun 17, 2009 IP
  3. yn_common

    yn_common Peon

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    #3
    Hello!

    I see.

    But I think - display space is useful and very limited resource for user. Should webmaster use the display space economically?
     
    yn_common, Jun 17, 2009 IP
  4. pipes

    pipes Prominent Member

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    #4
    What if someones using a widescreen or something, wont it look less than ideal?
     
    pipes, Jun 17, 2009 IP
  5. pod

    pod Peon

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    #5
    That's the downside.
     
    pod, Jun 17, 2009 IP
  6. lonzie

    lonzie Member

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    #6
    I wouldn't call it a downside, I use a 22" widescreen monitor in 1080p resolution, and site's look fine on it. In fact, I very rarely have my browser filling the screen anyway, and use the spare room I have on screen for other things like my IM, twitter etc.

    But like pod said, with a fixed width template, you know everyone is going to see pretty much the same thing on their screen. Fluid width does beat the resolution problem, but it also means that your content is going to be laid out differently on different resolutions, and to some extent, everyone will have a different viewing experience on your page.
     
    lonzie, Jun 17, 2009 IP
    pipes and yn_common like this.