Question
Answer and Explanation
Determining the ideal width for boxed WordPress pages involves considering several factors, including user experience, readability, and the overall design aesthetic. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:
1. Common Width Ranges:
- 960px to 1200px: This range is widely used and considered a safe bet for most websites. It provides a good balance between content width and whitespace, making text readable and the layout visually appealing. A width of 1140px is particularly popular as it fits well within common screen resolutions.
- 1024px: This was a common width in the past, but it's becoming less prevalent as screen resolutions increase. It can still be suitable for some designs, especially if you want a slightly narrower feel.
- 1200px and Above: These wider widths are suitable for larger screens and can accommodate more content side-by-side. However, be cautious not to make the content too wide, as it can become difficult to read on very large displays.
2. Readability:
- Line Length: A key factor is the length of text lines. Long lines can be tiring to read, while very short lines can disrupt the flow. Aim for a line length of around 50-75 characters per line for optimal readability. This often falls within the 960px to 1200px range.
3. Responsive Design:
- Fluid Widths: While you're setting a maximum width for your boxed layout, ensure that the content is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes. Use CSS media queries to adjust the layout for tablets and mobile devices. The boxed width should be a maximum width, not a fixed one.
- Mobile Considerations: On mobile devices, the boxed layout will typically collapse to a full-width layout to ensure readability and usability.
4. Content Type:
- Text-Heavy Pages: For pages with a lot of text, a narrower width (e.g., 960px to 1024px) can improve readability. This prevents the text from stretching too wide across the screen.
- Image-Heavy Pages: If your page is primarily images or visual content, a slightly wider width (e.g., 1140px to 1200px) might be suitable to accommodate larger images and galleries.
5. Design and Branding:
- Aesthetic: The width of your boxed layout should align with your overall design aesthetic. A wider layout can feel more modern and spacious, while a narrower layout can feel more traditional and focused.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent width across your website to provide a cohesive user experience.
6. Testing:
- User Testing: Test your chosen width on different devices and screen sizes to ensure it looks good and is easy to use. Gather feedback from users to identify any potential issues.
In Summary:
- A width between 960px and 1200px is generally recommended for boxed WordPress pages. 1140px is a popular choice.
- Consider readability, responsiveness, content type, and your design aesthetic when making your decision.
- Always test your layout on different devices to ensure a good user experience.