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What is a Fluid Grid?

2 min to read

Fluid grids are layout structures designed to adapt to the screen size on which a website is being viewed. Defining column widths via percentages/relative units, fluid grid layouts resize when viewports change on a screen.

If you implement fluid grids correctly, you may enhance functionality on small smartphones, desktop monitors, and devices in between – however, note that the pixel-based measurements could result in cramped/oversized layouts.

Pro Tip:
• Utilize CSS media queries for further layout customization that applies to specific screen sizes; look at the devices your audience come from and start with these.
• Responsive images and fluid grids are essential for maintaining performance and providing a consistent user experience across different devices.
Key Takeaways:
  • Use fluid grids for a responsive design
  • Before choosing between fluid grids and one of the alternatives, assess your needs
  • Fluid grid websites might look different depending on the device you’re viewing them from
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What is a Fluid Grid?

How does a fluid grid differ from a fixed grid?

Fluid grids and fixed grids primarily differ in terms of flexibility. Fluid grids’ gutters/columns resize based on screen sizes, whereas fixed grids maintain the same column widths. 

Deep Dive:
Browser development tools can help you simulate multiple screen sizes. Look at how your website and its fluid grids adapt based on these.  

What are the advantages of using a fluid grid in web design?

Businesses might use fluid grids in web designs for these reasons: 

  • User Experience: Prioritize a consistent cross-device look/feel to provide a smoother user experience.

  • Adaptive layout: Consider varying visual requirements and accessible technologies.

  • Future-Proof: New screen sizes will emerge as manufacturers release updated smartphone, tablet, and desktop models, and you must be up-to-date with your site. Fluid grids should automatically adapt to different screen sizes, so it’s worth keeping this in mind when developing your site.

  • SEO: Explore the potential impact of a responsive website on search engine optimization (SEO). Take into account how fluid grids could facilitate such a website. 

What are examples of websites that utilize fluid grids effectively?

Some well-known websites that utilize fluid grids in their site designs are: 

  • The Boston Globe: New England’s main newspaper uses fluid grids for cross-device story consumption.

  • CSS Tricks: This web dev website uses fluid grids.

  • A List Apart: This online magazine is for web developers, designers, and business owners building their own websites. It uses fluid grids on its pages.

When looking at these websites, identify the practices that you can take for your own site layout. You should also think about choosing a design that both utilizes fluid grids and is consistent with your brand. 

Conclusion

The use of fluid grids is prevalent for their ability to accommodate diverse device resolutions, contributing to responsive web design practices. Compared to fixed-grid sites, this option might necessitate increased technical expertise; however, the potential benefits could outweigh the challenges. 

Future-proofing, accessibility, and UX are all inherent considerations when implementing fluid grids; numerous examples are available for inspiration, and testing the site design before full launch is always recommended.

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