Which one is better? A layout with a set width or one that expands depending on the screen resolution? I know it depends, but I was wondering which one seems more professional-like.

Either one can be done professionally, but if you have the wherewithall to design professionally in fluid conditions (something that requires a bit more advanced knowledge and experience), your visitors will benefit a great deal from you creating an adaptive browsing environment for them to use.

I agree with the_pm on this. I do my sites to expand so you don't have any white spaces.

It all depends on what you're after with the site. My friends' band has about the tiniest website I've seen, yet it suits their fans.

www.mountainofvenus.com

:topic: Jody, best of luck in future endeavors, MOV fans everywhere will miss you!
Hope the new van rocks like the old one!

hm... I'm thinking about making my design expandable but at this point I'm not sure if it will look as good. I know it will be fine for those with screen resolutions 800x600 and above, but it won't fit for those below.

I also prefer full-width, but still use fixed-width as well, depending on the layout goals.

For more interesting feedback on this topic, you can view this recent WHT thread....

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=306074

Yeah, I have been trying to make most of my sites expandable... oh well, I'll see if I can do it with this one. I wish I could check more screen resolutions on my monitor. My monitor only has two screen resolution options. :(

try www.browsercam.com
Actually, they only go up to 1024x768 - anyone know of other sites like this?

ohhh... thanks! :)

Just checked the site, is there one similar that's free (and does more sizes)?

I figured that if all else fails I can just break out my old monitor (one that has a lot more screen resolution options) and check on there.

Originally posted by Kit
Yeah, I have been trying to make most of my sites expandable... oh well, I'll see if I can do it with this one. I wish I could check more screen resolutions on my monitor. My monitor only has two screen resolution options. :(
FWIW, screen resolution means absolutely nothing, other than to serve as an upper limit. Browser windows can be any size and of any dimensional proportion. Hence..."windows" :)

But no, I've never seen a site that gave screen shots higher than 1024x768, probably because the file size would put a mighty strain on the server pipes if used frequently. Just keep one thing in mind - if someone is using a large browser window on a very high res screen, that's because he/she wants to see the Web in this way. You may not like how your site looks in larger browser windows, but created fluidly, it doesn't matter, because each individual visitor can make up his or her own mind. And for whom is the site made, you or your (hopefully) many visitors? ;)

However, if your curiousity remains piqued, you can always post sites you're creating in the Site Review section. If you request hi-res screenshots and I happen to see it, I'll be happy to give you any size up to full screen 1600x1200. Feel free to PM me with a URL and I'll get one over to you as soon as I have a free moment.