Resolution / Screen Size

[toby_bird]

Sorry, I feel like this is a really stupid question...

Is designing for 800 x 600 still considered the standard for size today? Or would you think that most design at 100% of screen size which would allow the page to be dynamic in a sense?

Thanks!

[arvana]

Hi toby_bird,

I recently read some statistics on screen resolutions: apparently just under 20% of users have 800x600 screens; by far the most popular resolution is 1024x768 with about 70% of users.

My personal preference is fluid layouts, but if you're going to go for a fixed-width, then it will depend on your target market. If they are likely to be high-tech users, you can probably get away with a 1024px width; otherwise you may want to stick with 800px for now.

[drummin]

Why not let your visitors decide.

I used this script for changing layout from two column to three as well as adjusting font size. If you're not afraid of some JS, then let visitor make the choice. Visitors with JS turned off will only see your default CSS so you could go with 800 or 1024 resolution as you choose.
http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamici...etswitcher.htm

I liked the results and was easy to implement.
Drummin

[sands]

A lot depends upon the page content. If the pages contain a lot of text, example WPW itself, it is best if you were to go in for 100%. If the site is say a small business or personal site with a limited amount of text, then it is best if you use a fixed width design to prevent an empty look. A lot of folks are still designing for 800x600 with a 780px width table or DIVs encapsulating the whole content. This makes sense as it would look good for all resolutions. Just make sure that all pages of the site use the same layout.

[Eagle Imagery]

Current trends indicate that screen resolution is creeping up to the 1024x768 standard. However, whilst people may have that resolution set on their desktop, most won't browse with a maximised window. So it'll still be 800x600.

My screen res is set at 1280x960 but I browse in 1024x768 windows. :)

[Chris]

i'll be glad when 1024x768 goes the way of 800x600...

[ran_dizolph]

Also, if you're going with 800x600, set your maximum width to 780px, and no more. That way, there won't be any horizontal scrolling.

good luck.

[WebMasterKrames]

Originally Posted by ran_dizolph

Also, if you're going with 800x600, set your maximum width to 780px, and no more. That way, there won't be any horizontal scrolling.

I do 760px width, horizontal scoll is very bad. Make sure you change your resolution and test it.

[toby_bird]

...sigh Thanks guys. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote dynamic... I meant fluid. Anyway, It's been a while since I've created a site and I typically design for a width of 760 which is just so small. Well to me anyway. Unfortunately, I was correct in assuming that these were the responses I'd receive. Hopefully that "standard" will shift in the near future. Thanks again!

[daamsie]

I don't see it shifting at all. Don't forget the growing number of mobile devices going online with screen resolutions well under 800x600 :)

And as Eagle Imagery says, just because people mostly have screens with 1024x768 resolution, it doesn't mean they are browsing at that site.

At the same time, it is good to use a fluid design so the users who DO have large resolutions and want to make the most of it can.

[MtraX]

I think once all browsers catch on to minimum width you can start designing fluid sites with a minimum of say 760 pixels and a maximum 1024 if you don't want things to stretch out into abnormal proportions. That will entertain the best of both worlds. As I understand the new IE does allow of minimum width? Haven't tested yet...

[bockereyer]

I'll say fluid layout using CSS and test your design in different screen resolutions

[bockereyer]

Try using CSS-based fluid layout and test your design in different screen resolutions. If after all you want to use a fixed layout keep in mind most surfers use one or more toolbars.