constrainedwidth

Constrainedwidth refers to the design practice of limiting the horizontal width of content to improve readability and visual balance. By restricting line length and controlling how content scales across devices, constrainedwidth helps readers process text more efficiently and reduces eye strain.

In typography and publishing, the preferred measure for readable lines typically falls within a certain character range, often around 60 to 75 characters per line. Constrainedwidth implements this principle by setting a maximum line length for text blocks. This can be achieved through fixed or responsive containers that center the content and preserve consistent line lengths on various screen sizes.

In web design, constrainedwidth is commonly implemented with CSS by applying a maximum width to a content container, such as a text article or a media region. Techniques include using max-width with a value anchored to character units (for example, max-width: 60ch) or CSS frameworks that provide fixed-width containers. To ensure content remains legible on small devices, designers typically enable fluid widths with appropriate padding and margins. For media elements, constrainedwidth often involves making images or videos scale down to fit the container, using max-width: 100% and height: auto.

Accessibility considerations emphasize readable line length, adequate contrast, and comfortable typography. Constrainedwidth contributes to a more legible reading experience by avoiding overly long lines and maintaining a balanced, predictable layout.

See also: readability, line length, responsive design, typographic measure.