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Some websites only have one column.

Some websites have multi-columns.

So why we need sidebar, or why we need multi-column page layout in web /print media ?

Is there any UX principles?

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You need to be more specific, for a question like this it always depends on the situation you are in. There a principles around grid based design, chunking data, etc. But all these are really big topics. What are you working on now? Why did you ask this question? Answering this will help us. – JeroenEijkhof Aug 15 '12 at 17:08
in what situation, we use multi-column page layout, why? just give me some consideration – lovespring Aug 15 '12 at 17:10
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I feel it's to big of a question to answer here, maybe someone else smarter than me can give a good answer. Otherwise just Google 'Grid systems' for rationale to why we use columns. – JeroenEijkhof Aug 15 '12 at 17:16
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grid is not equal to column. – lovespring Aug 15 '12 at 18:42
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grids are often used to form columns of information. – DA01 Aug 15 '12 at 18:55
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closed as not a real question by DA01, Matt Rockwell, ChrisF, Ben Brocka♦ Aug 16 '12 at 3:36

It's difficult to tell what is being asked here. This question is ambiguous, vague, incomplete, overly broad, or rhetorical and cannot be reasonably answered in its current form. For help clarifying this question so that it can be reopened, see the FAQ.

1 Answer

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Columns often equate to the density or volume of information to be conveyed. News sites use three or more columns to present more content near the top of the screen. But many marketing or portfolio sites only need a single column to convey the few key points they need to get across.

There is no rule; let your content guide your layout.

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