What Should Be the Width of WordPress Pages Boxed?
The width of your WordPress page, particularly when using a "boxed" layout, is a crucial element influencing your website's appearance, readability, and user experience. It's not just about aesthetics, but also about functionality and how effectively your content is presented.
Why does page width matter?
A website's width directly impacts how content is displayed on different screen sizes. In a "boxed" layout, the content area is confined within a fixed width container, creating a defined border around the page content. This design choice creates a sense of structure and focus, but finding the optimal width is essential for optimal user experience.
Factors to consider when choosing your page width:
- Screen Size & Device Compatibility: In today's diverse digital landscape, users access websites on a multitude of devices, from desktops and laptops to tablets and smartphones. Consider the most common screen sizes used by your target audience and aim for a width that scales well across these various resolutions.
- Readability: Too narrow, and your text will appear cramped; too wide, and the user's eyes will have to strain to read the entire content. Aim for a width that allows for comfortable reading without needing excessive scrolling.
- Content Layout: The types of content you plan to display will influence your width choice. Are you primarily showcasing images, videos, or text-heavy articles? The balance between text, images, and other elements will impact the optimal page width.
- Visual Appeal: The page width contributes to the overall visual appeal of your website. A width that feels too wide might appear overwhelming, while a width that's too narrow might feel cramped and lacking in visual impact.
Tips for choosing the right page width:
- Use a responsive design: Responsive design adapts the layout of your website to different screen sizes automatically. This ensures a consistent user experience across various devices.
- Experiment with different widths: Before settling on a final width, experiment with various options. Use your website's theme customization options or a plugin to adjust the width and preview how it appears on different screen sizes.
- Test your website on multiple devices: View your website on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to see how the chosen width looks and functions across different screen sizes.
- Consider your content: If you primarily showcase large images, consider a wider page width. If your content is primarily text, a more narrow width might be preferable.
Common page width recommendations:
- 960px: This width works well for desktop users and has a history of being a popular choice for website design.
- 1200px: A wider option that can accommodate more content, suitable for large images or complex layouts.
- 768px: A width specifically designed for tablets, offering a balance between readability and visual appeal.
Examples of WordPress themes with boxed layouts:
- Divi: Divi's theme builder allows for highly customizable page widths, enabling you to fine-tune the layout to your liking.
- Avada: Avada offers various boxed layout options, allowing you to experiment with different widths and find the perfect fit for your content.
- GeneratePress: GeneratePress provides flexibility in controlling the page width, allowing you to create a boxed layout with the desired dimensions.
How to adjust the page width in WordPress:
- Theme Options: Many WordPress themes offer built-in settings for controlling page widths. Access your theme's options panel, usually through the Appearance > Customize menu in your WordPress dashboard. Look for settings related to "Page Width," "Container Width," or "Layout."
- CSS: If your theme lacks direct width settings, you can use CSS to adjust the page width. Add a custom CSS snippet to your website's style sheet. The following example sets the page width to 960px:
#page {
max-width: 960px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
Important Considerations:
- White space: Don't forget about white space! Adequate spacing between elements is crucial for readability and visual appeal. Too much space can make the content feel sparse, while too little can make it crowded.
- Mobile-friendliness: In today's mobile-first world, ensuring your website is responsive is paramount. A fixed width can negatively impact how your website displays on smaller screens.
Conclusion:
The "boxed" page layout in WordPress is a powerful design tool, but finding the right width is essential for a positive user experience. Consider factors like screen size, readability, content layout, and visual appeal when making your decision. Experiment with different widths, test your website on various devices, and don't forget the importance of white space and responsive design. By striking the right balance, you can create a website that is both visually appealing and functional, regardless of the device being used.