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Understanding What Is Below The Fold (And Above The Fold)

Have you ever come across the phrases “above the fold” and “below the fold” while creating or redesigning your website? These page layout terms refer to sections on your website that are visible to viewers without the need to scroll (above the fold) and those that are only visible upon scrolling (below the fold).

In this post, we will explore what is below the fold (and above the fold), why it is important to understand, and how it can affect your website’s performance.

Definition:

The fold refers to the bottom of the visible portion of a webpage, and it is different on each device and screen size. Therefore, above and below the fold vary based on the screen resolution of the device being used to access a website.

Above the fold refers to the information that a website visitor will see before they have to scroll the page. It usually includes the header, logo, and your website’s most important content.

Below the fold refers to the part of a webpage that is not visible on initially loading the site, and it requires the visitor to scroll down. It could contain additional information about the website or product, more photos, videos, or other items that you want your visitors to see.

Why use Below The Fold (And Above The Fold)?

Designing a website that captures the viewer’s attention immediately is vital, and focusing on above the fold is a fundamental part of web design. It is the first thing people see when they land on your website, and it will influence whether they stay or leave. Furthermore, it can determine whether they continue reading or scrolling to explore your website more.

On the other hand, Below the fold is crucial for including additional essential information that may be less necessary but complements above the fold content. Strategic design planning can help to guide viewers down the page and urge them to take a specific action that benefits your business.

Why is it important Below The Fold (And Above The Fold)?

Above the fold design has a significant impact on the effectiveness and performance of a website. It’s critical to inform visitors immediately what the website offers, and what they can expect to find. People develop a first impression of your company in less than a second, and that impression greatly influences whether they’ll continue to browse or leave.

Additionally, below the fold design is critical for providing more detailed information about what your company has to offer and encouraging visitors to take specific actions. Also, it helps to keep visitors engaged by having a clean and organized design with an intuitive layout.

How does it work?

The key to website design is to ensure visual hierarchy. The main message of the website should be visible above the fold, creating a clear visual hierarchy. Without it, the viewer may not stay long enough to see what your website has to offer below the fold because they may not be aware of what to expect.

Furthermore, design elements such as color, font, and imagery should be chosen carefully to enhance the flow of information. The colors between the above and below the fold areas should be of harmonious contrast.

Examples:

A good example of above the fold design is the homepage of apple.com. Its design is minimalistic and straightforward, including the company’s logo on top of the landing page. It also contains highly relevant information to the company and its products.

Another example is the homepage of amazon.com, with a call to action “Shop Now” and a broad product category as its main message. This message has a clear call to action that encourages viewers to browse what’s below the fold.

Common Questions and answers:

How do I know where the fold is on my website?

The exact location of the fold is determined by the screen resolution of the user’s device. You can test the visibility of your website’s content on various devices to ensure that your layout is consistent.

Do I need to include all essential information above the fold?

You should include the most critical information above the fold, such as your company’s name, logo, and primary message. You can include additional but less vital information below the fold.

In conclusion, understanding above and below fold design is essential for successful web design. Above the fold design can hook visitors into the site, while below the fold provides more detailed information to keep them interested in the site. These website elements are essential to creating a good user experience on your website and keep people engaged. Ensure that you are designing high-quality above and below the fold design by focusing on the layout, color, and imagery that complements your company’s message.