07/101 Does your website have a horizontal scrollbar?
- Rory Buckley
- Jan 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15, 2024
7️⃣ Horizontal scrollbar - you might have noticed that your site has an unnecessary scrollbar on the bottom of the desktop site, this can mean that there is some off screen content or that elements are not optimised correctly to stretch across.
A horizontal scrollbar on your Wix website can significantly detract from user experience and give your site an unpolished look. This issue often indicates that your website content exceeds the width of the screen, forcing users to scroll horizontally to view all the content. In this blog post, we'll explore why having a horizontal scrollbar is problematic, common causes, and provide a step-by-step guide to fix it on your Wix website.
Why a Horizontal Scrollbar is Problematic
1. Poor User Experience
Horizontal scrolling is less intuitive and more cumbersome than vertical scrolling. It can frustrate users, especially on mobile devices, leading to higher bounce rates and lower engagement.
2. Negative Impact on Mobile Users
Most internet users browse on mobile devices. A horizontal scrollbar indicates that your site isn't fully optimised for smaller screens, which can deter mobile visitors and negatively affect your site's usability.
3. SEO Implications
Search engines prioritise websites that offer a seamless user experience. A site with layout issues like a horizontal scrollbar can harm your SEO rankings by signalling to search engines that your site isn't user-friendly.
4. Professional Appearance
A well-designed website should display correctly on all devices without unnecessary scrollbars. A horizontal scrollbar can make your site appear unprofessional and poorly designed, potentially damaging your brand's credibility.
Common Causes of Horizontal Scrollbars
1. Fixed-Width Elements
Elements with fixed widths that exceed the viewport size can cause horizontal scrollbars. This issue is common with images, videos, and text boxes that aren’t responsive.
2. Incorrectly Sized Containers
Containers or sections that are too wide can push content outside the viewport, resulting in a scrollbar.
3. Overlapping Elements
Elements that overlap or extend beyond the boundaries of the viewport can force horizontal scrolling.
4. Incorrect Page Margins
Excessive margins or padding can cause elements to spill out of the viewport, creating a scrollbar.
How to Fix Horizontal Scrollbars on Your Wix Website
Step 1: Use the Wix Editor to Check for Fixed-Width Elements
Access the Wix Editor: Log in to your Wix account and open the Editor for your site.
Identify Problematic Elements: Look for images, videos, and text boxes that have fixed widths.
Make Elements Responsive: Adjust the width settings to make these elements responsive. Set widths to percentages (e.g., 100%) instead of fixed pixel values.
Step 2: Adjust Container Sizes
Select the Container: Click on the container or section that may be causing the issue.
Adjust Width: Ensure that the width is set to 100% or auto. This setting allows the container to resize according to the viewport.
Check Padding and Margins: Reduce excessive padding or margins that might push content beyond the viewport.
Step 3: Use the Strip Layout
Add a Strip: In the Wix Editor, add a strip to your page layout. Strips are designed to be responsive and fit the width of the viewport.
Move Content into the Strip: Drag and drop your content into the strip. This practice helps ensure that all elements remain within the viewport boundaries.
Step 4: Verify Element Alignment and Overlapping
Check for Overlapping Elements: Ensure that no elements overlap or extend beyond the edges of the viewport.
Align Elements Properly: Use the alignment tools in the Wix Editor to ensure elements are properly aligned and spaced within the viewport.
Step 5: Test Your Website on Different Devices
Preview Mode: Use the Wix Editor’s preview mode to see how your site looks on different devices.
Device Testing: Test your website on various devices and screen sizes, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Adjust as Needed: Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your site displays correctly without horizontal scrollbars on all devices.
Step 6: Regular Maintenance and Updates
Regular Checks: Periodically check your site for horizontal scrollbars, especially after adding new content or making changes.
User Feedback: Encourage users to report any issues they encounter with your site’s layout. Use their feedback to make improvements.
Next Steps
A horizontal scrollbar on your Wix website can detract from user experience, harm your SEO, and make your site appear unprofessional. By understanding the common causes and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can eliminate horizontal scrollbars and create a more polished, user-friendly website. Regular maintenance and testing will ensure your site remains fully optimised for all users. Take action today to improve your site's layout and enhance the overall user experience.
If you need help optimising your website, we can help, book a discovery call with Rory by clicking below.
