It’s a long term argument whether a website layout should be liquid or fixed. Each side has hundreds of followers, but the argument doesn’t seem to be settled. So, what are fixed and liquid layouts?
In a fixed width layout each element has a specified size, the web page doesn’t change when the browser window is resized. Your website will look exactly the same on any browser and computer.
In a liquid layout the size of the elements adopts to the browser size and preferences of the user. The web page elements size increases when the screen resolution is larger and decreases when the resolution is smaller.
There naturally are major pros and cons of both fixed and liquid layouts.
Fixed layouts advantages:
* Gives a designer full control over the page display
* Allows you to place images exactly in relation to other elements and type sizes
* Gives the line length that is easy to read
* Predictable default printing behavior
Fixed layouts disadvantages:
* Doesn’t give the user control over the page and text size
* May create a not optimal type size
* May produce large amount of unused window space that may increase the amount of scrolling.
Liquid layout advantages:
* Allows a maximum use of space.
* Gives a user control over the web page and text sizing.
* Allows people with vision problems to easily change the text size to suit their needs with the layout automatically adjusting around the increased size.
Liquid layout disadvantages:
* May produce hard to read line lengths or unreadable text if the screen size is too large or too small.
* May cause problems with default page printing.
* The image size to text proportion may create a less eligible look
So what side of the argument do you take? And what kind of web designs do you prefer to see more?
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I think I will always like fixed better. I mean, it seems like liquid layouts are cool in theory, but I think there’s more trouble than they’re worth. Personally, as a developer, I just can’t stand to not have control over what I’m designing. I don’t want it to be subject to the whims of a browser. Also, image positioning is especially important to me because I do a lot of markup for article with images in the content that need to line up a certain way.
I prefer fixed width content with a liquid background that utilizes the whole screen if viewed in a wide screen format.
I say use whatever is best for that site and it’s targeted traffic and their media choice..ie. desk top or PDA. Sometimes it’s an ICED design (fixed) or a LIQUID design (fluid) or a JELLY design that is liquid with some fixed areas
Thanks so much for sharing this. Some web designers are not aware of this they just simply do their designs without taking in to consideration these factors. This is really helpful.
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We use Fixed layouts at work,I agree they both have their good points..Steve has made a point in his say..and some web designers are not aware that both can be use..The best of both worlds..Guy’s..Thanks…