Hi all - first post here. I'm working on a new file layout for a website and can't decide which layout works best - grid or list. If you were looking for a file, which layout lets you find it best? And as developers, are there any implementation or expandability issues you can foresee with either?

 

The content is coming from a custom CMS that users can use to upload files or web links. They currently upload mostly PDFs.

 

Thanks for the feedback. -Dave

 

Personally I prefer layout 2 where the file types in use are likely to all be the same. I think layout 1 can have it's uses within an operating system, for instance for previewing pictures, but trying to distinguish between filenames in layout 1 is a lot slower. I think that for files with exceptionally long names, layout 2 permits longer names to remain readable for the same amount of screen real estate as layout 1.

I would prefer layout 2. It's much more easier to read than having icons. It's also faster to look for a certain file, all you need to look down, unlike layout 1 you need to look all around the page.

I agree with Eoin, I think users would find it easier to search for image files using 'layout 1', but for pdf files, users would be searching based on the filename so you don't really need the large thumbnails so would be better to go with layout 2 I think

layout 2, deffo

Thanks, everyone. I agree. I had to step back and see it from another perspective. Sometimes you get so involved in a project and the details that you overlook the obvious. Thanks again.

Perhaps give the user the option to change from list to grid?