Google's Browser Size [ref]Browser Size[/ref] tool is a cool online utility which can show you for any page what percentage of visitors can see what part of the page without having to scroll.
And it's going away, [ref]Conduct Browser-Size Analysis Within Google Analytics[/ref] replaced with a site-specific view built into Google Analytics. The drawback is that you can't quickly checkout a site unless you can "quickly" add it to your own analytics account.
So, we came up with the next best thing: your own browser size tool.
Step 1: Grab The Overlay Image
You can do that here or, if that image is ever removed, here.
For Chrome users: upload the image somewhere. Make it accessible online.
Firefox users can move on to the next step.
2: add this browser extension
Chrome users install the WebDeveloper Image Overlay Extension.
Firefox users install the Pixel Perfect add-on (requires you also install the Firebug add-on).
Step 2: Point Extension to Image
WebDeveloper Image Overlay:
Navigate to our uploaded image's URL. Then click the extension's toolbar button. Click Add Image and select the browser size overlay.
Done.
Pixel Perfect:
Click the extension's button in the browser's status bar (bottom of the browser).
Click Add Overlay.
Browse to your saved overlay image and select it.
Done.
Step 3: Using Your BrowserSize Tool
Chrome:
- Browse to the page you want to analyze
- Click the extension's toolbar button
- Select the browser size overlay image
Firefox:
- Browse to the page you want to analyze
- Click the Firebug icon
- If not already selected, select the Pixel Perfect panel in the Firebug console
- Pick the browsersize tool image (you can now minimize the Firebug console)
To Remember
- The overlay shows the inside of people's browser; the actual window on your content. It's not about screen resolution or browser size: it's about the viewport of the browser -- that what is really visible.
- Google's original tool and this alternative to the browser size tool work best with websites that have a fixed position hugging the left side of the browser. Many sites don't: they live in the center of the browser. Just make your browser smaller until both sides hug the edges of the page.
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About the Author: Ruud Hein
