Whitespace
The short answer · 7 words
In short
Whitespace is deliberate empty space between content.
Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Whitespace. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/whitespace. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.
How much detail would you like?
Practical
Helps make websites understandable, operable and usable for more people.
Possible example: A form leaves enough space between explanations, fields and the button.
Possible application in small and medium-sized businesses: A form leaves enough space between explanations, fields and the button.
At a glance
- Core
- Whitespace is empty space between and around design elements, regardless of its colour. It can support grouping, hierarchy and readability; its usefulness depends on the layout and context.
- Use
- Helps make websites understandable, operable and usable for more people.
- Example
- Possible example: A form leaves enough space between explanations, fields and the button.
- Limits
- Using empty space as decoration while hiding important information.
In context
Questions about this term
What does Whitespace mean?
Whitespace is deliberate empty space between content.
What mistakes should be avoided?
Using empty space as decoration while hiding important information.
All details and background
Whitespace is empty space between and around design elements, regardless of its colour. It can support grouping, hierarchy and readability; its usefulness depends on the layout and context.
ELI5 – Explained simply
Like a short pause between thoughts in a conversation.
Why it matters in practice
Helps make websites understandable, operable and usable for more people.
Example
Possible example: A form leaves enough space between explanations, fields and the button.
Pitfalls and limits
- Using empty space as decoration while hiding important information.
Origin & history
NN/g documents whitespace as a way to support grouping and readability in forms, among other uses. Empty space does not have to be white; spacing and recognisable relationships are what matters.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application in small and medium-sized businesses: A form leaves enough space between explanations, fields and the button.
Related terms
Matching Flow-alerta service
Websites & web applicationsWebsites & web applicationsMatching tool / use case
View use casesUse case: UX and accessibility assessmentSources
- www.nngroup.comNielsen Norman Group, Form Design: How to Use White Space
Quellen geprüft am 09.10.2026. Redaktionelle Anwendungsbeispiele sind hypothetisch; kein Nachweis realer Kundenergebnisse.
Editorially reviewed on: