Setting page width with % possible?

[DeXXus]

YES. If you create a page layout and enter percentages into it, then select that layout in your default template, it will reflect those percentages in your page when you view the source.

[DeXXus]

NO. The maximum width of a page is gonna be 100% RIGHT??
I recommend actual widths so you can be precise about your web page design, BUT...

Just as an example, in the frontend setup: page layout

all blocks: 100%
left: 20%
left space: 1%
main [538]: 58%
right space: 1%
right: 20%

would render your page width parameters in percentages

[Ben]

I realize that you probably have your reasons and preferences regarding whether to make a layout with a variable width instead of a fixed width. I too was faced with this when a client asked me why I made all of my sites with a fixed width.
Based on my personal design preferences, I have also read and observed that:
1. People want to read / view a website as if it were a magazine or newspaper. This means short lines of text that are also sucinct.
2. Your nicely designed page layout will go to hell when viewed at a resolution of 1600 x 1200. The text may also be a few sentences per line - definately not as readable.

After stating my reasons, I decided to take a look at some websites for the largest (and richest) companies in the world. I figure, if they feel that a variable width is best, then so should I.
Here are some of the sites that I visited, all of which are optimized for 800 x 600:
http://www.nike.com
http://www.sony.com
http://www.coca-cola.com
http://www.pepsi.com
http://www.virgin.com
http://www.cnn.com
http://www.dell.com
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.delta.com
http://www.audi.com
http://www.ford.com
http://www.bmw.com
http://www.mercedes.com

Don't get me wrong - I think there are times when it is good to go with a variable page width. Take http://www.amazon.com for example - their site is variable width. Of course, they aren't going for as sleek a design as a car manufacturer, though.

I will now gracefully dismount my soapbox.

[Ben]

I had hoped to spur some discussion with my post. Does no one have an opinion regarding this matter? I'd love to hear the thoughts of other designers and "usability experts." Please, challenge my thoughts - I eagerly await some other opinions on this issue.

Thanks for your input

[naabu]

from the looks of nike and mercedes the only two i clicked to check.

i think whoever said defining values was the best option is correct.

yes nike & mercedes are 800 x 600 compatible but they it by defining widths as pixels not percentages. the flash movie on nike does not get bigger or smaller if you change screen res or change your browser size.

percentages are poor as when you check your stats, loads of people have really high resolutions and if you are designing on a much lower resolution your design will never look as good it does on your screen.

lol. anyways good luck...

p.s. did i tell everyone how much better phpwcms is than komplete lite. well.... its lots...

[cyrano]

hi to all,

nice discussion - better to set a topic in dicussion?

My thought about this:

I also like fixed pages -perhaps I'am a designer and want the design fixed, so i have a better control of it.

I set all pages centered in browser window, so a larger resolution has on both sides space, this makes it lighter, easier to focus...

as you have to make the pages accessible for people with bad eyes or blindness - what's the english word, hhm. in german it's called "barrierefreie Webseiten" - all official and government pages must be designed and programmed in this manner as a law describes.

and, it depends an the kind of content which is presented.

[naabu]

yes, by 2005 all UK pages will have to be accessible else they contravene laws.

madness.

political correctness gone mad. companies or individuals who would like to appeal to visually or aurally impaired people would tailor there sites automatically.

common sense really..

lol