Web design layouts are the arrangements of elements on a web page, such as text, images, navigation, and content. They help create a visual hierarchy, balance, and harmony, as well as guide the user's attention and interaction. In this article, you will learn how to use some of the most popular web design layouts and what benefits they offer for your web design projects.
A one-column layout is a simple and minimalist layout that consists of a single vertical column that spans the entire width of the web page. It is ideal for long-form content, such as blog posts, articles, or guides, as it allows the user to focus on the text without distractions. It also adapts well to different screen sizes and devices, as it does not require complex resizing or rearranging of elements. To use a one-column layout, you need to set the width of the body element to a fixed or relative value, such as 80% or 960px , and center it using margin: 0 auto .
This layout is particularly effective for sites where you want to focus on one main piece of content, like a blog post or a product page. And because it's so simple, it's often easy to navigate and read, which is great news for your users. ?? But don't be fooled, just because its simple doesn't mean it's not versatile. You can use a one-column layout for a variety of different purposes, whether you're building a landing page, a portfolio site, or a personal blog. Plus, it's usually pretty easy to make a one-column layout mobile-friendly, which is a must in today's world. ??
There are a number of advantages in using a one column web layout. The first is simplicity. With just one column, the content is presented in a straightforward and easy-to-read manner. A one column layout also allows for a clean and uncluttered design. By removing sidebars or multiple columns, the focus is solely on the main content of the page. One column layouts are responsive by nature. With the use of smartphones and tablets, having a layout that is responsive is important. A one column layout is often more accessible for users with disabilities. No need for users to scroll or navigate between multiple columns. From a development standpoint, a one column layout can be easier and faster to implement.
A two-column layout is a common and versatile layout that consists of two vertical columns that divide the web page into two sections. It is often used for websites that have a main content area and a sidebar, such as news sites, blogs, or online magazines. It allows the user to access additional information, such as navigation, ads, or widgets, without leaving the main content. It also creates a sense of contrast and balance between the two columns. To use a two-column layout, you need to use a div element with a float property to create the sidebar, and another div element with a margin property to create the main content area.
This layout is perfect for sites that need to organize a lot of information in a clear and concise way, like news sites or e-commerce stores. ?? One of the great things about the two-column layout is that it gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of how you organize your content. You can put your main content in one column and supporting information, like a sidebar or navigation menu, in the other. Or you can use the two columns to divide your content into different sections, like on a blog or portfolio site. ??
A grid layout is a modern and flexible layout that consists of multiple rows and columns that create a grid of cells on the web page. It is often used for websites that have a lot of images, such as portfolios, galleries, or e-commerce sites. It allows the user to see a variety of items at a glance, and easily compare and select them. It also creates a sense of order and alignment among the elements. To use a grid layout, you need to use a CSS grid system, such as Bootstrap or Foundation, that provides predefined classes and styles for creating grids. Alternatively, you can use the native CSS grid properties, such as display: grid and grid-template-columns , to create your own custom grids.
One of the great things about the grid layout is that it gives you a lot of control over how your content is displayed. You can use the columns and rows to create a balanced, symmetrical design, or you can mix things up and create a more asymmetrical layout that feels dynamic and engaging. ?? Another advantage of the grid layout is that it's highly customizable. You can adjust the column and row sizes to fit your content, and you can add or remove columns and rows as needed. Plus, the grid layout is often responsive, which means it can adapt to different screen sizes and devices. ??
I think the layout such as a grid layout is flexible as it allows content to be arranged in order to benefit user experience. Most often layout has be planned and organized based on the content that needs to be displayed. The layout helps the user to navigate and find related content.
Many will assume you need bootstrap or a framework to get a grid system, that's not true :) Flexbox comes to the rescue! It's part of native HTML now and is much easier to learn than a framework. (Don't get me wrong, frameworks provide much more than just grids)
I'm excited to share some thoughts on grid layouts with you. In my experience, using a grid layout can greatly improve the user experience by making it easier for users to navigate and find what they're looking for. The layout can also create a visually appealing design that is easy on the eyes. However, it's important to consider the responsiveness of the grid layout, especially for mobile devices, to ensure that the layout adapts to different screen sizes without sacrificing functionality. Additionally, you should also consider the accessibility of the layout, such as providing alternative text for images and using sufficient color contrast.
A card layout is a popular and responsive layout that consists of multiple cards that contain an image, a title, and some text on the web page. It is often used for websites that have a lot of content, such as social media, news, or entertainment sites. It allows the user to see a summary of each item, and click on it to see more details. It also creates a sense of hierarchy and consistency among the elements. To use a card layout, you need to use a div element with a box-shadow property to create the card effect, and another div element with a flex property to create the card container. You can also use a CSS framework, such as Materialize or Semantic UI, that provides ready-made card components.
One of the great things about the card layout is that it's highly customizable. You can adjust the size and shape of the cards to fit your content, and you can play around with different colors, fonts, and images to create a unique look and feel. Plus, the card layout is often responsive, which means it can adapt to different screen sizes and devices. ?? Another advantage of the card layout is that it's highly engaging for users. Because each card is self-contained, users can quickly scan through the content and find what they're looking for without getting overwhelmed. And if users want to learn more on a particular card layout, they can simply click on the card to expand it and see more details. ??
Head of product | AI solutions | Healthcare, medtech & life sciences strategy
Card layouts offer a visually appealing way to organize online content. They mirror the charm of a well-arranged live market, and allow users to easily navigate through offerings, making them a go-to choice for designers seeking an scannable user-friendly interface. Advantages: Easy Browsing: Imagine walking through a vibrant market with stalls neatly arranged, each showcasing their best products. That's what card layouts do for e-commerce websites. A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words: With cards, products get to shine! Beautiful images can be showcased effectively, making products irresistible. Friendly on All Devices: Whether you're shopping on a laptop or scrolling on your phone, card layouts ensure everything looks just right.
A split-screen layout is a creative and dynamic layout that consists of two halves that split the web page into two sections. It is often used for websites that have a dual purpose, such as landing pages, portfolios, or product pages. It allows the user to see two different aspects of the website, such as features and benefits, images and text, or options and actions. It also creates a sense of contrast and interaction between the two halves. To use a split-screen layout, you need to use a div element with a width: 50% and a float: left property to create the left half, and another div element with a width: 50% and a float: right property to create the right half. You can also use media queries to adjust the layout for smaller screens.
By displaying two pieces of content side by side, you can create a sense of contrast and comparison that draws users in and keeps them engaged. And because the split-screen layout is often responsive, it can adapt to different screen sizes and devices. ?? Another advantage of the split-screen layout is that it's highly customizable. You can adjust the size and shape of each split-screen section to fit your content, and you can play around with different colors, fonts, and images to create a unique look and feel. Plus, the split-screen layout can be a great way to break up long blocks of text and make your content more readable. ??
I love the idea of a split-screen layout; it's a great way to create a visually appealing website that makes use of the space available. In my experience, it's essential to ensure that the two halves are balanced and complementary to avoid causing confusion or clutter. You could use contrasting colors, fonts, or images to differentiate the two halves. I also recommend keeping the content concise and relevant to the page's purpose to avoid overwhelming the user. Another option is to use animations or hover effects to create a sense of interactivity and engagement. Overall, a split-screen layout is an excellent way to showcase different elements of your website while maintaining a clean and modern design.
Consider the type of content you'll be showcasing on your website or web page. Depending on your content, you may want to choose a layout that features a lot of imagery, or one that prioritizes text content. Also Ensure that your design layout is responsive and can adapt to different screen sizes. In today's world, people are accessing websites from a variety of devices, so it's important to ensure your website is optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile views.