5 Steps to Achieve the Accuracy in Pixel-Perfect Web Development

In the initial days of web design and development, the screen resolutions available were very limited. At that time, websites designed were non-responsive or fixed width websites. It used to provide the same look and feel as users were using similar screen sizes or resolutions everywhere sitting at their desk. It defined the whole web experience.

But with advancements in technology mobiles, smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and smart devices with different and high-end resolutions were introduced, the pixel perfect website has been a major shift in the pattern of user interaction. A site which is made pixel perfect for a particular browser, is difficult to look the same for the other browsers.

What exactly is pixel perfect web development? Pixel perfect web development means "coding a website to match the web designs pixel by pixel".

With the change in the web realm, it has become irrational to expect pixel perfect websites. Although it has become antiquated, nevertheless, with some good pieces it is maintaining its place. When it comes to achieving crisp, sharp and clear design, pixel perfect design is still dominant. The pixel perfect sites we design may not look the exact same across all browsers, but the gaps can be minimized. It is made compatible on other browsers and rework is done to achieve the closest look.

So, how to achieve perfect pixel accuracy in web development? Here are the 5 steps that can be taken:

1. Choose a specific design tool with features supporting design symbols

Creating a replica and matching every pixel on the screen as the original design requires time and effort. You can create a UI design that is perfect to a pixel level using Pixel Perfect website development tools. Sketch, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator are some of the tools to help you create pixel perfect design having an array of features like preset styles to support your design symbols. Taking advantage of these features can greatly speed up your workflow.

You can also create symbols and reuse an element across your document or project. Symbol lets you reuse the features like icons, buttons, and more. You can also nest a symbol and change the symbol separately in one place and customise components like colors, typography, shapes, button design, etc. according to your preference.

2. Choose screen resolution sizes for the web design

As the web technology evolves the screen resolution has gotten more significant than ever for web designers to consider. Customers are now reaching clients on various gadgets that vary in size, resolution, etc.

With additional consideration of mobile devices you can design two versions of the design files for versatile rendition: Desktop and mobile version. Select the resolution that can dynamically serve users depending on their screen resolution. There are different screen resolution sizes. Your site is displayed differently on a screen relying upon what size you choose.

Before, it was a lot simpler to design with limited resolution choice. But with the advent of many high-resolution screens, it is difficult to decide on the resolution. With exponential rise in tablet and smartphone users, web designers must choose the option to consider these smaller screen resolutions again.

Resolution plays an important role to answer the web design puzzle of adaptability. With web design getting mature, design grids and CSS frameworks are helping to fit in responsiveness in pixel perfect design. To bridge the gap between a responsive website and pixel perfect website, pixel perfect responsive web design is bringing in the best aspects of the two designs together.

3. Talk about elements likely to have non-obvious responsive behavior

Sidebar

Sidebar is one of the elements that can quickly get into non responsive behavior on mobile devices and become unbearable. Hence, it is important to have a discussion with the developers on its placement. You may decide to opt it out and check the results.

Decorative images

Decorative images and background graphics can make the mobile version of your website less accessible. You may consider whether you want to give a visual pun with these images or you want to hide it on small screens by prioritising your choice.

Repeating elements

Discuss the behavior of repeated elements when the design changes. When the new items are added how it should be aligned and behave.

Tables

Tables are challenging on small screens as it displays a small portion of a large data table which annoys users. Carefully consider if you want to reevaluate the content in the table, or gain the width balance by rotating the phone gaining column space but losing row space.

4. Understand the design system and implement

Design system has great benefits, and its understanding helps in project planning and scoping. The systematic approach to design ensures clarity of the original idea and reduces false design interpretations.

Suggestions to consider a few things in the process.

• You can create a sample page or collection of basic elements, typography and organize CSS styles. Set this as a default page to reuse it in different projects.
• Use Photoshop tools to copy the CSS styles directly from the designs.
• Install and access premium fonts to avoid changes at a later stage of the project. It affects responsiveness and consumes time.

5. Quality assurance through Pixel perfect testing

Once your web page is ready you can test pixel perfection using available tools or software. It shows the difference and where it doesn't match. It ensures quality by checking every element of the website and validating your design.

Final Suggestion

Practically, it is not possible to achieve pixel perfection for every minute detail. What you should aim for is getting closest to the original idea. So just work on what fits the best. Based on all the discussions and market research decide if you want to go for pixel perfect web development. If it is worth the effort, take all the important measures towards perfect pixel web development.

We have replaced the antiquated understanding of perfect pixel web development with modern understanding and focused on offering additional precision. We are looking forward to hearing from you, if you are interested in our services.