Finding The Right Frame

Every great layout starts with the frame, the container that holds your entire design. This choice shapes how your layout adapts and feels across different screen sizes.

Get this right, and everything else flows smoothly. Get it wrong, and layout issues can quickly snowball.

How Do You Determine The Right Size?

This depends on whether you're working on an existing product or starting from scratch.

If you're working on a redesign or existing product:

  • Check the live site to get a sense of the current layout width.
  • Ask your stakeholder, developer, or design lead if there's a defined system or set of breakpoints.
  • Look through any existing design files; you might find a consistent frame size already in use.

If you're a freelancer or working with limited information:

Go back to your stakeholder or client and ask:

"Is there a specific screen size or layout width I should be designing for?"

If you don't get a clear answer, don't panic; use the context of the project to make an informed decision.

Let The Content And Goals Guide Your Frame Size

Not every layout needs the same amount of space. Your frame should support the purpose of the design, not fight against it.

Here are a few trusted starting points:

Homepage or Landing Page - 1440px   
Ideal for large visuals, hero sections, and calls-to-action. Gives your content room to breathe.

Web App, Dashboards or Blog- 1280px   
A more focused width that supports readability and easy navigation, especially in content-heavy designs.

Tablet Layout - 768px   
A comfortable width for touch interaction and vertical scrolling.

Mobile Layout - 375px   
A reliable size for modern smartphones, a solid starting point for mobile-first designs.

These aren’t strict rules, just starting points. Let your content and user experience guide the decision.

Why Your Choice Matters, But Don't Overthink It

This is one of those decisions that sets the stage for everything that follows. Columns, spacing, and alignment all build on the frame you choose.

It doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be intentional. A well-chosen frame gives your design structure, saves time later, and helps your layout stay consistent as it scales. Make a smart choice, understand why you made it, and move forward with confidence.

Pro Tip: Be Ready to Explain Your Choice


You don't need a perfect answer, just a clear one. Being able to explain your thinking builds trust and shows you're making design decisions with purpose. 

You might say:

"I went with 1280px for the desktop layout since it's a content-driven page, and that width supports better readability." 

Or:

"Because the homepage relies on visuals and space to create impact, I chose 1440px to give it a more open feel."

Now that your frame is set, you’ve laid the groundwork for your layout. In the next post, we’ll dive into the elements that make up the grid. These include columns, gutters, margins, and alignment, which help organize your design.

Helping UX Designers bridge gaps and grow

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