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Choosing the web site layout

This page is to help you decide on the basic layout structure that you would like for your web site. Once this has been decided we can then begin the process of adapting and formatting the template to suit your preferred style.

Almost all web sites are based around these basic layout structures and then customised and formatted. There are pros and cons to all the various styles and the one you choose usually depends on a variety of reasons.

If you have not yet discussed your requirements with us, and would like to talk through the options available to you, please contact us.

These are the main considerations that need to be decided:

A fixed-width layout or a liquid layout.
A vertical menu or a horizontal menu.
The amount of columns required.

Below are some examples for you to view in a web browser so that you can get an idea of how these will look. Please note that these are very basic layouts that have only been created as examples. The structure of your site can be designed to any configuration you wish.

Fixed-width layout:

A traditional 'brochure' style layout. The width can be any fixed to any specific length (usually about 750 pixels).

View the full html page with a fixed-width layout.

Liquid layout:

In a liquid layout the content is allowed to flow to the edges of the browser rather than being set to a fixed-width - stretch your browser and the content moves with it.

View the full html page with a liquid layout

Choosing the web site layout

Fixed-width layout:

Liquid layout:

Vertical menu:

Horizontal menu:

Two-column layout:

Three-column layout: