The phrase “above the fold” often used in Web design circles is nothing new. It has been used in the newspaper industry for at least a 100 years, to note that content above the fold of the paper is more likely to be read then content underneath it (or on the other side). In Web design it basically means the exact same thing, content that appears on the screen when a visitor first arrives at a site, without the user having to scroll down, is far more likely to be read then content “below the fold.”

As most people know Google is obsessed with all things design related. So enter this little application from Google Labs, Browser Size, which aims to help site owners solve one of the most fundamental problems in Web design: How should I lay out and design my website for higher readership and conversions?

Browser Size is about as stupid simple as it gets. Insert a URL and it overlays a transparent image on top of any page and displays what percentage of users (on average) will see your content without scrolling. Because people use various browser settings, monitor sizes, and screen resolutions, it can be tough to know when a key button, like “Buy Now” or “Subscribe” is easily visible by users.

Take a look at the Browser Size overlay for weBranding:

On the top and left are numbers depicting the length and width of the screen, in pixels. In the middle you’ll notice an array of colors and percentages. Based on research the company conducted they were able to extrapolate at what pixel height and width users would see the page without scrolling, from 99 percent to essentially 0 percent.

Simple yet elegant and pretty darn neat. Try Browser Size out on your website, you might be surprised what you discover.