When designing a WordPress website, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is the layout style whether to use a full-width or boxed layout. In a boxed layout, the content is constrained within a fixed width, and there’s usually a visible background around the content. Determining the ideal width for a boxed layout is important for ensuring the site looks balanced and is easy to read on various screen sizes.
1. Boxed Layout Width
- 960px to 1200px is a common range for the total width of a boxed layout. This allows for a comfortable reading experience while still leaving room for sidebars or other content.
- 640px to 800px is a good target width for the main content area within a boxed layout. This ensures the text is not too wide for optimal readability.
- 300px to 400px is a typical width for sidebars in a boxed layout. Anything wider can make the page feel unbalanced.
2. Full Width Layout
- For a full width layout without sidebars, 1200px to 1400px is a good range for the total width. This allows the main content to be wide enough without stretching too far across very large screens.
- 800px to 1000px is a good target width for the main content area in a full width layout. Anything wider can make the line length too long for comfortable reading.
3. Responsive Design
- Ensure your theme is responsive and adjusts the layout and widths appropriately for different screen sizes.
- The main content area should take up the full width on smaller screens, and sidebars should stack below the main content.
- Avoid setting fixed pixel widths for responsive layouts. Use percentages or relative units like vw (viewport width) instead.
The most important factors are:
1. Ensuring the main content is not too wide for optimal readability (around 60-80 characters per line)
2. Leaving enough room for sidebars or other content in a boxed layout
3. Adjusting the layout and widths responsively for different screen sizes
Experiment with different widths to find the best balance for your specific theme and design. Use your browser’s developer tools to test how the layout looks at different screen sizes.
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