alternative to frames (non-navigation)

They have: 1 posts

Joined: Oct 2005

I have a problem on one of my sites. To maintain a consistent look, I have a table with fixed height for each page. When there is too much text to fit in that height, I am currently using frames (for the scroll feature) to maintain the fixed height. However, it just looks tacky...specifically, the border of the frame is too obvious...is there anything else I could use besides frames? Something that will scroll, but "blend" better with the rest of the page?

robfenn's picture

He has: 471 posts

Joined: Jun 2005

Always best to give us a link to look at buddy...

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

With css make a div layer where you whould usually put the frame. Then add this attribute to the style "overflow:auto;". Example avalable on request.
It should have a scroll bar but not load a new page.

Megan's picture

She has: 11,421 posts

Joined: Jun 1999

To make it blend better you can use CSS to change the scrollbar colours. Bja's solution is going to look more or less the same - it will still have scrollbars.

Do a google on colouring scrollbars with CSS - I don't have a reference handy. Just be careful when you're choosing colours - you want them to still look like scrollbars.

He has: 388 posts

Joined: Apr 2005

Firefox does not support coloured scrollbars and i dont think the code validates. You could try flash or javascript but this will signifigently increase the load time of your page.

Megan's picture

She has: 11,421 posts

Joined: Jun 1999

Right - and Opera didn't until v. 8.0 (you can enable/disable it now)

This is the whole problem with fixed-height layouts. It's just really hard to get them to work. I think the best option is to reconsider forcing a fixed height design.

Would you mind posting a URL? Maybe we could offer some better suggestions if we had a clear idea of what your design is like.

demonhale's picture

He has: 3,278 posts

Joined: May 2005

I guess the overflow:auto is a default bet here rather than using frames... but javascript and dhtml can be used to make your own scroller...

Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.