Best Web Page Width

[Jenny]

I am in the process of putting up a small site for a company I do part-time
work for. I have used lots of Microsoft products (including FrontPage) over
the years but now have been asked by the owner to use a fixed page width. He
heard that was the best way for people with various computers to view the
pages. He doesn't want people to have to scroll horizontally. However he
couldn't remember the width he heard about and I don't have a clue!

Can someone tell me if there is a recommended or "best page width"? Thanks a
bunch!

 

[Kathleen Anderson [MVP - FrontPage]]

Most people will tell you somewhere between 740 and 760.

 

[David Baxter]

Set it to about 750-760 pixels. That allows for the vertical scroll bar
at 800 x 600 display resolution.

At that width, visitors at 800 x 600 won't have to side-scroll and those
at higher resolutions will be able to view the page even without the
browser at maximized.

 

[Frankster]

Although I can agree with Kathleen about 740 to 760 or so....

I would definitely recommend that you design it in such a way that this part
is always centered instead of far left. That way, when the browser is
opened to full screen, there is not a huge blank spot on the right. And,
you can maintain the general appearance of the page better, IMHO.

-Frank

 

[Jenny]

WOW! That was quick. Thanks everyone.

Although I can agree with Kathleen about 740 to 760 or so....

I would definitely recommend that you design it in such a way that this
part is always centered instead of far left. That way, when the browser
is opened to full screen, there is not a huge blank spot on the right.
And, you can maintain the general appearance of the page better, IMHO.

-Frank

 

[Tom J]

Although I can agree with Kathleen about 740 to 760 or so....

I would definitely recommend that you design it in such a way that
this part is always centered instead of far left. That way, when
the browser is opened to full screen, there is not a huge blank spot
on the right. And, you can maintain the general appearance of the
page better, IMHO.

-Frank

To go along with that, I would add that the table that encloses the
page be borderless and the background color be the same as the table
color, or have a table border and specify a contrasting background
color, or an object that would tie in with the company. Otherwise,
you'll have the page sitting in the middle of a white background.

Tom J

 

[E. T. Culling]

There are several article here:
http://www.eleanorstravels.com/suggestedresources.htm
that might interest you.
Eleanor

 

[Andrew Murray]

760 pixels...?
90%?

I don't know if there is a "best" width.