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Jul 2, 2025 04:25 PM
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Platform
Web Design
Category
Design Theory
Topic
Responsive Design
AI summary
Starting with desktop design allows for better control over complex layouts before adapting for mobile. Prioritize responsive design by testing on real devices and simplifying navigation for mobile users. Choose the approach based on audience needs and content complexity.
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Desktop-First Design: Building Websites That Work on Every Device
Learn how starting with desktop design can give you more control over your website's layout and user experience.
TL;DR: Key Points
- Desktop-first design lets you create the full layout before adapting for mobile
- Squarespace and similar builders work best with this approach
- You get better control over complex layouts and features
- Responsive design ensures your site works on all devices
- Plan for mobile from the start, even when designing desktop-first
What Is Desktop-First Design?
Desktop-first design means you start by creating your website on a desktop screen, then adapt it for mobile devices. This is different from mobile-first design, where you begin with the smallest screen and work up.
Most website builders (including Squarespace) are built this way. You design on desktop, then tweak the mobile version separately.
Why Start with Desktop?
When you begin with a large screen, you have space to plan your entire layout. You can see how all your content fits together before worrying about smaller screens.
This approach works well if:
- Your audience uses desktop computers regularly
- You have complex layouts or features
- You want full control over your design from the start
- You're using a platform that's built desktop-first
Adapting for Mobile
Once your desktop version is solid, you'll adjust it for mobile screens. This means:
- Simplifying navigation menus
- Stacking content vertically
- Making buttons and text larger
- Hiding or moving less important elements
The key is planning these changes from the beginning, not treating mobile as an afterthought.
Making Your Site Responsive
Responsive design means your website automatically adjusts to different screen sizes. Here's how to get it right:
Test regularly - Check your site on actual phones and tablets, not just by shrinking your browser window.
Scale appropriately - Make sure text is readable and buttons are easy to tap on small screens.
Prioritise content - Show the most important information first on mobile devices.
Keep navigation simple - Mobile users need clear, easy-to-use menus.
Desktop-First vs Mobile-First: Which Is Better?
Neither approach is automatically better. It depends on:
Your audience - If most visitors use mobile, mobile-first makes sense. If they use both desktop and mobile equally, desktop-first can work well.
Your content - Complex layouts with lots of features often work better starting from desktop.
Your platform - Squarespace, Wix, and most visual builders are designed for desktop-first workflows.
Your skills - Some designers find it easier to design complex layouts on desktop first, then simplify for mobile.
Practical Tips
Start with desktop, but think mobile from day one. As you add each section, ask yourself: "How will this work on a phone?"
Test early and often. Don't wait until your desktop site is finished to check how it looks on mobile.
Keep mobile users in mind for navigation. Complex dropdown menus that work on desktop often fail on mobile.
Common Questions
Should I always use desktop-first design?
No. If your audience is mostly mobile (like a local restaurant or service business), mobile-first often works better. Check your analytics to see how people actually visit your site.
How do I test if my site works on different devices?
Use real devices when possible. Also try browser developer tools, online testing tools, and ask friends to check on their phones.
Does Squarespace support desktop-first design?
Yes, Squarespace is built for desktop-first design. You create your layout in the desktop editor, then use mobile styles to adjust how it looks on phones and tablets.
Key Terms
Desktop-First Design - Starting your website design on desktop screens, then adapting for mobile devices.
Mobile-First Design - Beginning with mobile screens and scaling up to desktop.
Responsive Design - Techniques that make websites automatically adjust to work well on any screen size.
The best approach depends on your specific situation. Desktop-first works well when you need complex layouts or when using builders designed for this workflow. Whatever you choose, always test on real devices and keep your users' needs at the centre of every decision.