Horizontal Spacing in Web Design
TL;DR:
- Keep left and right margins consistent unless you're doing something specific
- Don't let content touch the browser edges – give it room to breathe
- Column spacing between content blocks needs to be even across your layout
- Side padding inside elements prevents text from cramming up against images
- Small horizontal spacing tweaks make a bigger visual impact than you'd think
Horizontal spacing gets overlooked, but it's what makes the difference between a cramped layout and one that feels comfortable to read.
The key is giving your content enough room without making it feel lost in too much white space. Your margins, column gaps, and padding all work together to create this balance.
Setting Up Your Margins and Padding
Left and Right Margins
These create the buffer between your content and the browser window. Keep them equal unless you're deliberately going for an asymmetrical look. Without proper margins, your content gets squashed against the edges and becomes harder to read.
Column Spacing
This is the gap between different columns of content. Keep this consistent across your layout. Uneven column spacing makes your design look sloppy, even if everything else is spot on.
Side Padding
This goes inside your content blocks. It stops text from bumping right up against images or other elements. Even a small amount of padding makes content more comfortable to scan.
Getting It Right in Practice
Most website builders have style editors where you can set specific measurements. Look for margin, padding, and column width settings – these are your main controls.
If you're working in Squarespace 7.1, you'll find spacing controls in the Design panel. For 7.0 sites, you'll need to adjust spacing through the Style Editor, though your options are more limited.
Grid systems help keep everything aligned. If your design tool has one, use it. It makes maintaining consistent spacing much easier across different elements.
Common Spacing Mistakes
Content that touches the viewport edges looks amateur. Always leave some breathing room, especially on mobile where thumbs need space to navigate.
Inconsistent column gaps make your layout feel unfinished. Set a standard spacing measurement and stick to it throughout your design.
Forgetting about responsive spacing means your carefully planned desktop layout might look cramped on mobile. Test on different screen sizes and adjust accordingly.
TL;DR:
- Keep margins consistent on both sides
- Give content breathing room from browser edges
- Maintain even spacing between columns
- Use padding to separate text from other elements
- Small spacing changes create big visual improvements
FAQs
How do I adjust horizontal spacing in my website builder?
Most builders have margin and padding controls in their style editors. Look for spacing, layout, or design settings. You can usually set specific pixel measurements or use preset options.
Why does horizontal spacing matter so much?
It prevents your content from looking cluttered and makes text easier to read. Poor spacing makes even good content hard to digest and gives your site an unprofessional feel.
Can I set different spacing for mobile and desktop?
Yes, most modern website builders let you adjust spacing for different devices. This is important because what looks good on desktop might be too cramped on mobile.
What's the difference between margin and padding?
Margins create space outside an element, between it and other elements. Padding creates space inside an element, between the element's border and its content.
Jargon Buster
Horizontal Spacing: The left-to-right gaps between elements on your webpage that create visual balance and improve readability.
Margins: The space between your content and the browser window edges, or between different content blocks.
Padding: The space inside an element that gives its content room to breathe by adding white space around it.
Column Spacing: The gaps between columns that help organize content and prevent it from running together.
Viewport: The visible area of your webpage in the browser window.
Wrap-up
Good horizontal spacing isn't about following strict rules. It's about creating a comfortable reading experience that doesn't make visitors work to consume your content.
Start with consistent margins and padding, then adjust based on how your content actually looks. Small tweaks often make the biggest difference, so don't be afraid to experiment with different spacing values until things feel right.
The time you spend getting spacing right pays off in how professional and polished your site looks overall.
Ready to improve your web design skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and practical design advice.