Fixed vs Fluid Styles
 

I did a search for similar threads here and I couldn't find one really going really in-depth about opinions on fixed vs. fluid styles.

I started a discussion about this on my website; Here's a quote from that conversation located @ New York Dev Forums: Fixed vs. Fluid
What does the VBulletin community think about this?

I've always preferred fixed styles for one reason or another, but probably the main reason is because i just believe they plain out look better.

I think it's nonsense. No one is gonna shove this idea down my wind pipe that fixed width is the wave of the future. Fluid for me.

Basically, it's down to the style your designing. Some styles will look good fluid but look better fixed and vice versa. Saying Fixed vs fluid just doesn't cut it without knowing what the layout/design will look like and whether that design will look better as a fluid or fixed style.

In short, I find the design and structure of the style will determine which looks better. :)

couldnt have said it better.

Most of my layouts are so graphically loaded that I cannot do them on a fluid design. With few exceptions all my sites are on fixed width

My preference is a fixed-width layout.

• content is easier to read
• it's easier to scan page (looking for something specific quickly)
• the site will always look the same
• layout size is similar to everyday magazines, business papers, letters, etc (8*10)
• more control over design (eye candy)

With that said, a liquid layout is not wrong .. it just has to be handled differently.
On a photo(s) site, a liquid layout would work better. eg. showcase photos, etc

Other things you have to consider when designing an interface...

• server resources (memory, bandwidth, http requests) - an increase in server resources regardless of type will have a negative affect on user experience
• site's popularity (growth) - interface should be ready for growth
• dial-up members

I think I have to agree that the information in fixed can be more uniformly displayed in a content specific manner. I think the question is whether or not that is desired?

I like a happy medium between the two, something like 85% width.

Everyone's goal is to get the visitor to read the content .. if not read there's no reason for the visitor to come back.

Content needs to be readable - formatting is essential ... the only reason someone would come back (revisit) is because there's something available that they want/need ... the only way to do this is to make the content easy to scan; easy to read; easy to find.

That must be wht vb.org is fixed :cool: