In the world of web design, one of the most common and widely used CSS properties is "text-align: justify;". This property allows for the alignment of text on a webpage to be evenly distributed, creating a clean and uniform appearance. However, despite its popularity, this particular property may not always be the best choice for every situation. In this article, we will explore the reasons why "text-align: justify;" may not be the best option and what alternatives can be used instead.
First and foremost, let's understand what "text-align: justify;" actually does. As mentioned earlier, it evenly distributes the text on a webpage, stretching it to fill the available space. This can be visually appealing and easy to read for longer blocks of text. However, this also means that it can create uneven word and letter spacing, which can be distracting and difficult to read for some users. This is especially true for those with visual impairments, making the content less accessible.
Furthermore, "text-align: justify;" can also create awkward gaps and rivers in the text, which occur when the spaces between words are uneven, creating a river-like pattern. This can make the text appear unprofessional and can be a turn-off for users. Additionally, when used on smaller screens, such as mobile devices, the stretched text can become too narrow, making it difficult to read and causing the user to zoom in and out constantly to try and make sense of the content.
Another issue with "text-align: justify;" is that it can interfere with the readability of certain languages, such as Arabic or Hebrew, which are read from right to left. When this property is used, the text can appear jumbled and difficult to understand, making it unusable for a large portion of the population.
So, what are the alternatives to "text-align: justify;"? One option is to use "text-align: left;" which will align the text to the left side of the page. This can create a more traditional and familiar look, similar to a book or newspaper. Another option is to use "text-align: center;" which will center the text on the page. This can be useful for headings or shorter blocks of text, creating a visually appealing and balanced layout.
For those who still want to achieve a clean and uniform appearance without using "text-align: justify;", there are other methods that can be used. For example, using proper formatting and spacing within the text can create a similar effect without the drawbacks. Additionally, using a combination of text-align properties, such as "text-align: left;" for paragraphs and "text-align: center;" for headings, can also achieve a visually appealing layout.
In conclusion, while "text-align: justify;" may seem like the go-to option for aligning text on a webpage, it may not always be the best choice. Its drawbacks, such as uneven spacing, rivers, and interference with readability, can make the content less accessible and unprofessional. By considering alternative options and using proper formatting techniques, web designers can create a more user-friendly and visually appealing layout for their websites. So, the next time you reach for "text-align: justify;", take a moment to consider if it is truly the best choice for your design.
