Is there a standard max for the width of the main content area of a web page? I want to maximize screen real estate without affecting usability. I’ve seen a lot of sites stick to 980px or less. Anyone have any suggestions?
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Is there a standard max for the width of the main content area of a web page? I want to maximize screen real estate without affecting usability. I’ve seen a lot of sites stick to 980px or less. Anyone have any suggestions?
I’m assuming you’re referring to the wrapper width since you mentioned 980.
The most ideal solution is to not think of pixels at all and instead rely on ems/%s and scaling, be as fluid as possible so your design fits on small mobile devices and your elements heights are not fixed but auto. Example being: http://www.456bereastreet.com/
But if you’re stuck with web designers who still think pixel and you know for sure you’ll be unable to get them to try making images that are liquid/fluid, I would say shoot for 960 pixels in width so you have enough viewing area in a 1024×768 with scrollbars in IE6/XP, but this really depends on your audience and the majority of your audience’s screen resolutions.