example of Google's Browser Size tool

Where’s the Fold?

by   |  December 7th, 2011
Design, User Experience, Web Development


 

 
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Web designers are urged to place key actionable content “above the fold” to ensure that it is seen by visitors to the site who might not stick around long enough to scroll down. But with mobile devices, iPads and various monitor sizes, where is the fold these days? And how much should we care?

 

Emily Smith explores the history, research and controversies around the topic in her article, “The Fold Exists but Does it Matter?”  She concludes that “since we have no control over how people access our sites and what portion they see, we need to focus on the things we can control.” She offers several suggestions for making careful and educated decisions about the content above the fold, and providing indicators that encourage people to explore the rest of the page.

 

Do you want to see what areas of your site’s pages are typically above the fold? Try Google Browser Size. Enter your site’s URL, and this tool displays it with a transparent overlay indicating what percentage of people visiting Google have their browser window open to at least that size or larger.

 

How about you? How do you make decisions where to place key content? I’d be interested in hearing your strategies!

Donna McMaster

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Reader comments (2)

 

This subject came up recently in a client conversation.
My answer: Place something above the fold when you want or need the user to see it (e.g. advertising and add-to-cart buttons), OR if it improves their experience in some way (e.g. page title and navigation).

Now, if I could only find where that darn fold line is…


Jeff Jimerson | December 07, 2011

Found another interesting perspective on “below the fold” at Life below 600px.


Donna McMaster | December 15, 2011
 


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