Designing to a 1024x768 screensize

[Millenia]

My website design I have created only works fully in a 1024x768 screen size, is this necessarily bad? With a lower resolution, a horizontal scrollbar appears. It's a website design website, so I presumed most people visiting would understand. But obviously I cannot assume this. Is this bad? Should I consider a re-design?

[I <3 Lamp]

It's a decision we all have to make. Some people look at 800x600 as an outdated resolution as 1024 tends to be the new "minimum" - however there is still a significant portion of users that use it. I tend to look at 800x600 as I do at Internet Explorer 6; hate it but support it.

[VIPStephan]

A horizontal scroll abr isn’t the worst thing that can happen. That’s at least better than the entire page screwing up in lower resolutions. It’s true that the amount of people using 800x600 is a minority and decreasing so it’s really a matter of desicion. People probably won’t kill you for not designing at 800x600, and as I said: A scrollbar is better than a non-functional site.

[gnomeontherun]

And think who your visitors are, are they likely to be more up to date computer users? That can also affect your decision. If you don't mind not reaching people who still use Windows 98 or something, then its up to you.

[Millenia]

And think who your visitors are, are they likely to be more up to date computer users? That can also affect your decision. If you don't mind not reaching people who still use Windows 98 or something, then its up to you.

That's my point, I don't know anyone seeking web/graphic design on Windows 98. :p

Thanks people :thumbsup:

[Apostropartheid]

I hope you've taken into consideration that most people don't browse full screen.

[Millenia]

I hope you've taken into consideration that most people don't browse full screen.

But certainly if people browse full screen they expect a horizontal scrollbar?

[oracleguy]

But certainly if people browse full screen they expect a horizontal scrollbar?

I'm assuming you meant "if people don't browse...". No that isn't the case, for example with a 1280x1024, it would be reasonable for someone to have the browser window only take up around 75% of the screen space.