What should be the width of online content?

In the vast landscape of online content, from blog posts to articles, website pages to social media updates, the width of your text might seem like a minor detail.

Yet, it plays a crucial role in shaping the reader’s experience, impacting readability, comprehension, and overall engagement.

Finding the perfect width for your online content is essential for creating a pleasant reading experience that keeps your audience hooked.

Understanding the importance of width.

The width of your content refers to the number of characters per line, often measured in pixels or as a percentage of the screen width. Both excessively wide and narrow widths can have detrimental effects on readability.

Too narrow:

• Narrow columns force readers to constantly shift their focus back and forth, leading to eye strain and fatigue.
• Content in narrow columns may appear cluttered and cramped, reducing readability and comprehension.
• Readers may lose interest quickly due to the inconvenience of navigating through cramped text.

Too wide:

• Excessively wide columns can overwhelm readers, making it challenging to track lines and maintain focus.
• Long lines of text can lead to reader fatigue and decrease comprehension, as the eyes struggle to move from the end of one line to the beginning of the next.
• Scrolling through wide columns can be tiresome on smaller screens, leading to a poor user experience.

Striking the perfect balance.

So, what is the ideal width for online content? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a general guideline is to aim for a line length of 50 to 75 characters per line, or approximately 75 to 100 characters for optimal readability.

The perfect width is between 480 and 800 pixels.

Or 640 pixels wide blog’s content section is ideal for most of the cases.

Why did I choose this range? It’s practical for most blog and sales page designs. Plus, 100 characters per line, the optimal line length for reading speed, also happens to fall between that range depending on your font size and choice.

Tips for finding the perfect width.

1. Consider different screen sizes: Take into account the devices your audience is using to access your content. Opt for narrower widths for mobile devices and wider widths for tablets and desktop screens.
2. Use responsive design: Implement responsive design techniques to ensure your content adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes and orientations, maintaining optimal readability across devices. Prefer mobile first approach in design.
3. Test and iterate: Experiment with different widths and gather feedback from your audience to identify the width that offers the best reading experience. A/B testing can be particularly valuable in determining the optimal width for your specific audience. Based on font-size too, blog’s width size is determined.
4. Prioritize Readability: Ultimately, prioritize readability above all else. Choose a width that allows readers to comfortably consume your content without strain or frustration of switching to next line when reading long texts.

End note.

The perfect width for your online content lies at the intersection of readability, engagement, and user experience. By striking the right balance between line length and readability, you can create a seamless reading experience that captivates your audience and keeps them coming back for more. Experiment, adapt, and prioritize the needs of your readers to ensure your content shines across all digital platforms.