Main Table of Webpage Alignment: Left or Center?

[N9ne]

For example, say I have a 700 pixel wide main table for a web page, would you prefer it to be docked to the left of the screen or in the centre?

Please vote on the poll and give reasoning.

I ask this because up til now I've been creating web designs where the table is centre aligned, but I've seen a few web pages with the main table left aligned and just some 'space' with maybe a page background in the remaining space. It looks effective so I thought i'd try it...so I thought I'd ask you guys what you prefer .

[vgarcia]

Either one is fine with me actually. I tend to go for centered when I do a static-width site, but left-aligned is just as useful.

[RichPearce]

this depends on the design - or in some cases, the client. but either is fine with me.

I've been known to use a background image that compliments the design in both centred and left-aligned sites. once again, down to the design. as there's no real usability issue here, i go with what i think looks best.

[N9ne]

What would you guys advise for a left-aligned design, for the space on the right? Maybe some sort of subtle pattern as the page background?

[davidjmedlock]

A very subtle, light pattern (sort of a mesh pattern, very light striped lines, etc.). Also remember that white space is your friend on the web. There's nothing wrong with showing a little white.

[RichPearce]

i'd consider an extension to the detail on the page, however this depends on the design in question - more adventurous schemes often best with designs that would generally be considered as less conventional.

failing that, small pixel patterns have made a bit of a come-back, having made their way from design inspiration sites to the commercial sector. however i'd advise only using them where it adds to the site, rather than detracts from it.

[turkle112]

I agree with everyone else. Either will do the job, but it does depend on your end users and what they think.

[jag5311]

I have a similar question

I have often come across sites that don't deal at all with scrolling. It appears as their SITE AS A WHOLE appears to be about 600px wide and about 400px height. Scott Weeks site is an example. Sorry, I don't know his URL, but he is a member here

[vgarcia]

I have a similar question

I have often come across sites that don't deal at all with scrolling. It appears as their SITE AS A WHOLE appears to be about 600px wide and about 400px height. Scott Weeks site is an example. Sorry, I don't know his URL, but he is a member here

Resize your window to something smaller than 600x400 and I'm pretty sure you'll see scrolling.

[jag5311]

ok, well that is obvious. I think you understand what I am talking about though.

Are those popular?

[jag5311]

Sorry, this was the link. Its Shawn Weeks
http://shawnweeks.com/

[N9ne]

Well, the problem with no scrolling at all is that if you have a lot of content on your pages, not only would you have to make the font size small, but you'd need to use an iframe (yuck!) to avoid scrollbars on the main window.

[vgarcia]

Well, the problem with no scrolling at all is that if you have a lot of content on your pages, not only would you have to make the font size small, but you'd need to use an iframe (yuck!) to avoid scrollbars on the main window.

You don't need an iframe:

<div style="overflow: auto; width: 200px; height: 150px;">
  <p>Lots of content here and a scrollbar will only appear if needed :)</p>
</div>

[N9ne]

You don't need an iframe:

<div style="overflow: auto; width: 200px; height: 150px;">
  <p>Lots of content here and a scrollbar will only appear if needed :)</p>
</div>

The reason I hate iframes is because they have scrollbars

[vgarcia]

The reason I hate iframes is because they have scrollbars

Well your "yuck" was only for iframes in your last post, which is why I brought up this alternative. I'm not a fan of scrolling within a window unless it's absolutely necessary either .