Fold

What is the Fold?

The fold is an imaginary line marking where the visible screen ends and scrolling begins. Content "above the fold" is visible without scrolling; content "below the fold" requires scrolling to see.

The term comes from print newspapers, where the top half of the front page (above the physical fold) had to grab attention at the newsstand.

The Fold in Web Design

Unlike newspapers, the fold on websites isn't fixed. It varies based on:

• Device screen size
• Browser window height
• Toolbars and address bars
• Zoom level

A laptop with a small screen has a different fold than a large external monitor. Mobile devices have yet another fold position.

Does the Fold Still Matter?

Yes and no.

What Still Matters

• First impressions form immediately
• Your core message should be visible quickly
• Key calls to action need prominence
• Users decide whether to stay within seconds

What's Changed

• People are comfortable scrolling (mobile trained us)
• Engagement often increases below the fold
• Artificially cramming content above the fold hurts design

Best Practices

• Put your most important content and CTA visible on first load
• Make it obvious there's more content below (don't create a "false floor")
• Design for flow—lead users naturally down the page
• Don't sacrifice clarity to fit more above the fold

The fold is a starting point, not a finish line. Your job is to make the above-fold content compelling enough that people want to scroll.