Above the fold refers to the portion of a webpage that’s visible to users without having to scroll. It’s what people see first—within the first few seconds of landing on your site—so it plays a big role in grabbing attention, building trust, and encouraging action.

The term comes from print newspapers, where headlines and eye-catching stories were placed on the top half of the front page—literally above the fold line—to entice buyers. Online, the concept works similarly: what’s visible before scrolling can make or break a user’s decision to stay.

Why it matters for your website

Think of the above-the-fold area as your site’s first impression. If visitors don’t immediately understand what your site is about or don’t feel it’s relevant to them, they’ll bounce—often within seconds.

That’s why this area is often home to:

• A clear headline that tells people what you offer
• A subheadline or value proposition that supports it
• A hero image or background video that sets the mood or shows the product
• A call-to-action (CTA), like a button or link
• Key navigation or branding elements

Your goal isn’t to cram everything into this space—it’s to make the case for scrolling down.

Is there a “standard” fold line?

Nope. What’s above the fold depends on screen size, resolution, and device:

• On a laptop, it might be the first 600–700 pixels
• On a smartphone, it’s much less
• On a 4K monitor, the fold appears lower

That means you can’t design for one specific height—but you can prioritize clarity, responsiveness, and key messages at the top.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too much whitespace above the fold that delays key content
• Vague headlines that don’t say what the business actually does
• No CTA or a confusing next step
• Hero images that dominate but don’t communicate
• Assuming users will scroll—many do, but only if the first impression earns their interest

Best practices for a strong above-the-fold section

• Start with clarity: Who are you and what do you offer? Say it in one sentence.
• Use design to guide attention: Align your headline, imagery, and CTA so users instinctively know where to look.
• Think mobile-first: Make sure your key message and CTA are visible on small screens without scrolling.
• Test what works: A/B testing different hero sections can show which one converts better.

Above the fold ≠ everything

Yes, it’s important—but don’t stress over “cramming it all in.” Users scroll when the first impression is strong. Your job above the fold is to earn that scroll with relevance and clarity.

Bottom line

“Above the fold” isn’t just a design cliché—it’s your chance to make an immediate, meaningful connection. In a world of short attention spans, those first few hundred pixels are valuable real estate. Use them wisely, and your visitors are far more likely to stick around and engage.