As a UI/UX and website designer, you will be faced with several decisions to make about which layout to choose for your design. As you embark on this design adventure, remember that choosing the right website layout is crucial for creating an engaging and user-friendly online presence. Website layout is like the puzzle pieces that fit together to form a beautiful picture, therefore, choosing the right layout is important.

Below are some of the layout you might consider in your next design:

Single-Page Layout

The single column layout features just one column for the website’s content, which makes it one of the simplest layout options. Single column layouts are often the standard design for mobile versions of responsive websites, since mobile phone screens are narrow and don’t have space for multiple columns of content. In addition, a single column layout allows for easy scrolling on mobile phones. Imagine a web page where all the content is displayed on a single screen. Single-page layouts are perfect for portfolios, landing pages, or simple websites, providing a seamless flow of information.

Multi-column Layout

The multicolumn layout has two or more columns for content. Many desktop websites use multiple columns to make the most of the space on the screen. Imagine a newspaper or magazine layout, where content flows seamlessly across multiple columns. Multi-column layouts are excellent for displaying articles, blogs, or portfolios. They maximize space utilization and enhance readability, presenting your content in a professional and engaging manner.

Asymmetrical layouts

Asymmetrical layouts exhibits some sort of imbalanced between different sides of a page. This imbalance is intentionally done to lay emphasis on some parts of the page. Asymmetric website layout can be useful when there’s need to highlight design elements like images or text headlines, or to divide content by order of importance. Asymmetric layout include two common types: F-shape layout, and Z-shape layout. The F-shape layout can be seen on Wikipedia pages, and while the Z-shape layout can be seen on Dropbox website.

Fixed Layout

Imagine a puzzle with fixed pieces – each element stays in its designated spot, regardless of the screen size. Fixed layouts offer a stable structure, allowing you to precisely position elements on your web page. However, they may not adapt well to various screen sizes, so careful consideration is required.

Box layout

This layout is made up of sections of boxes or squares of various sizes and proportions. The box layout is typically found on the homepage of websites, especially e-commerce sites, and it is a great way to organize multiple elements. The boxes can be made with the same size and space, this way, users will give each boxes equal importance. Alternatively, some boxes can be larger than the rest, so as to draw attention to that box.

Grid Layout

If you prefer an organized and structured approach, think of a puzzle with a grid. Grid layouts divide your web page into rows and columns, providing a neat and consistent arrangement of elements. They allow for easy alignment and create visually appealing designs.

Grid of cards layout

This layout combines both the box and card layout into one. It features a series of cards that provide previews of more detailed content. The grid of cards layout might seem similar to the box layout, but the two are actually quite different! Think of the box layout as separate posters for TV shows in different genres, while the grid of cards layout is a collection of comedy movies.

Fluid Layout

Picture a flexible puzzle that adjusts its pieces to fit any screen. Fluid layouts, also known as liquid layouts, adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, expanding or contracting elements proportionally. They offer a more responsive design but require meticulous planning to maintain consistency.

The tiered layer cake layout

The tiered layer cake layout involves arranging rows or layers on top of one another, with the flexibility to have varying numbers of columns within each row. This layout is commonly utilized in responsive website design, as it adjusts to different screen sizes. Depending on the device being used, the layers shift accordingly. Take a look at the QFC grocery store website as an example. The desktop version (left image) showcases the tiered layer cake layout, while the mobile version (right image) simplifies the design to a single column, optimizing the display for smaller screens.

When deciding what layout to use, consider your target audience, content structure, and the devices your visitors will use to access your website. Strive for a design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and responsiveness. Experiment with different layouts, seek inspiration, and embrace your creativity to design a website that truly represents your vision.

Now that you understand the various website layout options, it is time to unleash your design skills and create a stunning online presence that captures the attention of your visitors.