Which screen resolutions are you using for developing new websites ?

I would be eager to hear your comments about which screen resolutions you consider when designing a new website; specifically the width of the site.

Are you taking care to different screen resolutions by developing multiple versions of the site or by creating an "universal" layout which grows and shrinks dynamically with the browser width ?


We have developed sites for 800*600 so far (750 pixels in width), but since about one year more and more switch to 1024*768 (950 pixels in width) unless client wishes to go differently.

We avoid using dynamic layouts, since they often mean a limitation in design and are, in my mind, just useful for discussion boards or websites containing mainly text-based information.

Myself and my coworkers feel that 1024 X 768 is a best practice. Big monitors are getting cheaper so more are using the higher resolution.

After launch, we pay close attention to our analytics to see what is the most common screen resolution. Then, if need be, take the necessary action of providing a new resolution or layout.

I really dislike fixed width sites. I never build them unless the client demands it, in which case I aim for 1024x768.

Believe it or not I actually have three monitors on my desk, and I use them all to check the sites. My main monitor is 1900x1200, one on left is 1280x1024 and the one on the right is 1440 x 900. Works good for me. I'll stick dreamweaver or visual studios on the main monitor, photoshop on the right one, and then have the browsers popping up on the left screen (standard size) to check the appearance as we go.

90% of our designs are built with 950 width, the only time I would worry about smaller resolutions is if it's a purely informational site that might get alot of traffic from libraries and schools. (You'd really be surprised to know how many libraries and schools still have comps from the dinosaur age).

If it's a normal site use the 950 and fly with it.

I think build 800x600 for now. Then, go for a bigger size when most users are on that.

I develop at my default 1280*1024 resolution, but when i finish i always hack the design work properly with internet explorer and on 1024*768 res.

I agree with DanielR, you really need to be designing and checking several resolutions as you go along.