Chapter 5 - XHTML Frames

This chapter continues your study of XHTML. It introduces using frames.

Have you ever visited a web site and noticed that a portion of the browser window remains stationary while other parts can scroll? If so - you were probably visiting a web site that used XHTML to create frames, or separate areas of a browser window. This chapter introduces you to this technique.

Be aware that there is a controversy surrounding the use of frames on web pages -- some designers love the convenience and efficiency -- other designers question their usability. Whether you love or hate them, frames are part of the web and developers need to feel comfortable using and maintaining them.

Textbook Links

• The JFK Airport Web site has been redesigned and no longer uses frames.
  Archive of JFK Airport frames design
• FuelEconomy.gov
• XHTML 1.1 DTD
• W3C XHTML Roadmap
• WCAG suggestions for accessible frames
• Jakob Nielsen on Usability & Web Design

Frames Design Issues

• WAI Frames Guide
• Jakob Nielsen on Frames 96
• Jakob Nielsen on Frames 99
• Web Design Group Guidelines
• A "Realty" Perspecitve
• Builder.com
• A List Apart on Frames
• Evolt.org on Frames

Frames Tip

If you are using an outside service to process a shopping cart (more on shopping carts in Chapter 12) but want to preserve the look and feel of your site, consider using a frameset with separate frames for banner/logo, navigation, and content.

Configure the content frame to use the shopping cart. That way if the outsourced shopping cart does not display any logo or navigation -- your site will still be usable and look very "put together".

Chapter Updates

Framespacing and Frameborder Attributes
If you attempt to validate a web page that uses the framespacing and frameborder attributes you'll find that these attributes are not part of the official W3C Recommendation. However, these attributes are widely used in practice! When developing sites in the real world,  your client will insist that their Web site displays well cross-browser and cross-platform. This will be much more important to them than following a recommendation. Follow Web standards whenever possible but there are times when the status of the real world outweighs the importance of passing a validation test.

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The JFK Airport Web site has been redesigned and no longer uses frames. View an archive of the JFK Airport frames design.

Questions or Comments?

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Send an e-mail to webdevfoundations@hotmail.com