What Is Above the Fold?
Above the fold is the area of a web page that people see right away when the page loads, before they scroll down. It is the screen you see first.
Definition
In simple words, above the fold means all content that is visible on a device without moving the page. This can include the logo, menu, headline, image, and first call to action button.
The exact size of the above the fold area can change. It depends on the screen size, such as phone, tablet, or laptop.
Why Above the Fold Matters
Above the fold is important because it is your first chance to convince visitors to stay. If this top part is confusing or boring, people may leave quickly.
- Grabs attention fast The first screen helps users decide in seconds if the page is useful.
- Improves clicks A clear button or link above the fold can increase clicks and sign ups.
- Helps SEO Good content that keeps people on the page can lower bounce rate and support better rankings.
- Shows main message It lets you share what your site or page is about right away.
How Above the Fold Works
Designers and marketers plan the above the fold area very carefully. They often include:
- A clear headline that says what the page offers
- A short text that explains the benefit
- A strong call to action such as a button to buy, sign up, or learn more
- Simple navigation so users can move around the site
- Clean images that support the message
They also test how it looks on different screens so that important content does not get pushed below the fold on smaller devices.
Above the Fold vs Below the Fold
Above the fold is what users see without scrolling. Below the fold is everything they see only after they scroll down.
- Above the fold is best for key messages and main actions.
- Below the fold is good for extra details, long text, reviews, and FAQs.
Example of Above the Fold
Imagine you open an online store on your phone. Without scrolling, you see:
- The store logo and menu at the top
- A big headline that says Summer sale 50 percent off
- A photo of popular products
- A bright button that says Shop now
Everything you saw before you scroll is the above the fold area.
FAQs
Is all important content required to be above the fold
No. Only the most important message and main action should be above the fold. Extra details can come later on the page.
Does above the fold look the same on every device
No. A phone has a smaller screen than a laptop. So the above the fold area is different on each device. That is why responsive design is important.
Is above the fold still important today
Yes. People still decide very quickly if they will stay on a page. A strong above the fold section helps keep visitors and can improve conversions.
How can I improve my above the fold area
Use a clear headline, short text, one main call to action, and simple design. Remove clutter and test how it looks on mobile and desktop.
