Why Old Websites Often Use Small Fonts: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Have you ever visited an old website and noticed that the text is smaller than what you see on modern websites? If yes, you're not alone. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, examining the evolution of screen resolutions and the impact of pixel density on font sizes.

The Evolution of Monitor Resolution

When old websites were initially created, monitors typically had a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. This resolution, known as 'standard' or 'full screen,' was the norm during the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, as technology advanced, monitor resolutions shifted towards widescreen formats with higher resolutions, such as 1921080 or 1366x768. These widescreen resolutions maintain a similar vertical space but add additional horizontal space, often resulting in smaller font sizes, especially on older monitors.

The Impact of Vertical Space Reduction

The vertical space on modern monitors is smaller compared to older CRT monitors, leading to a reduction in available space for text. This decrease in vertical space necessitates a reduction in font size to fit the content without distorting the text layout. Without adequate vertical space, designers had to make difficult decisions: they could either keep the text small and readable or reduce the number of paragraphs, making the content harder to digest.

Adaptation of Text Formatting Techniques

In the early days of web design, designers had limited tools for text formatting. The standard font size was between 12-14 pixels, and there was no sophisticated text manipulation like kerning or line spacing. To maintain readability, designers often used techniques such as forcing text onto a single line or adding hyphens to ensure a seamless block look.

Advancements in Web Design Tools

Over time, advancements in HTML and CSS provided web designers with more tools to enhance text formatting. Modern web design includes features like kerning, line spacing, and the ability to adjust font sizes dynamically through user preferences. This flexibility allows designers to present text in a more readable and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Pixel Density and Retina Displays

Another factor contributing to the small font sizes in old websites is the advent of high-resolution screens, particularly "retina displays." Retina displays use high pixel density to provide a sharp, high-resolution image, often resulting in smaller individual pixels. This makes text appear smaller, especially when compared to the default font sizes used in older websites.

Case Study: My Geocities Site

To illustrate this point, take a look at my own Geocities site. Back then, we were limited to the default settings of the service provider, which often didn't account for modern resolutions and pixel densities. When I revisit my old site through the Wayback Machine, I'm often met with a groan of dismay; the design seems outdated and the content stretches across pages and pages of animated GIFs, a testament to the limitations of the time.

Conclusion

Old websites often use small fonts due to the reduction in available vertical space on monitors and the inherent limitations of the web design tools available at the time. As monitor resolutions and pixel densities improved, these old design choices have become less apparent. Understanding these historical challenges can help modern web designers appreciate the tools and techniques they use today while still striving to make content accessible and engaging for all users.