Web design is a crucial part of any business endeavor. We humans eat with our eyes – so we're not going to stick around on a website that looks outdated and unattractive. Only the very best graphics and design elements will capture and keep a user's attention.
No matter how aesthetically pleasing your webpage layout is, or how eloquently you write the landing copy, a wrongly-sized page can still lead to a disastrous user experience. Your page size is just as important as the content you include on it.
So, what's the optimal size for your webpage? How can you ensure that your page looks great no matter the device it's being viewed on?
Let's take a look.
What size should your web page be?
Before delving into the behind-the-scenes details: the best size to use for your web page is currently 1440 pixels. We say 'currently' because technology is always changing, and what works now may not be the same in a few years' time.
1440 pixels is more than enough for any page, and also provides a nice viewing experience on both desktop and mobile devices.
Are 1440 pixels really enough?
You may be wondering – if most desktops nowadays use a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, why restrict yourself to smaller dimensions?
The answer is simple: different devices have different screens. A laptop or desktop with a 1080p resolution will display 1440 pixels perfectly, while a tablet or mobile phone with a lower resolution may struggle.
Therefore, you should use the lowest common denominator when it comes to page size – in this case, 1440px. This way your page looks great on any device and visitors won't be disappointed by having to scroll around for content.
Leverage responsive design
Common practice for most webpages today is to use responsive design – that is, making sure that your page automatically adjusts to any device it's being viewed on.
Responsive design takes all the guesswork out of creating a webpage size that works on every device. You don't have to worry about having one version for mobile devices and another for desktops, as the software will do all the work for you.
However, if you're still concerned about covering every base with regard to size requirements, 1440px is still an excellent option. It provides plenty of space for content without wasting too much screen real estate on larger devices.
How to set your web page size
Setting your page size is easy if you know where to look. Most web hosting services will give you access to a control panel, from which you can edit parameters such as page size, colors, and layout.
If you're using WordPress or another CMS platform for designing your pages, the process may be slightly different. You'll need to use an appropriate plugin or theme that supports responsive design if you want your page to resize automatically for different devices.
Wrap up
Choosing the right size for your webpage is an important step in creating a great user experience. We recommend using a width of 1440 pixels, as this will provide plenty of space for content without taking up too much screen real estate on larger devices.
If your web builder offers responsive design, you'll be able to design a dynamic webpage that automatically resizes for different devices. However, it's still important to keep an eye on page size and dimensions to make sure that your visitors get the best possible experience.
Happy designing!
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