White space, sometimes called "negative space," refers to the empty or unused areas on a website that surround text, images, buttons, and other elements. Despite its name, it doesn’t have to be white—it just means space without content. It’s one of the most important principles in design because it helps create visual clarity, balance, and focus.

In web design, white space can be found between lines of text, around graphics, in margins, or even within content blocks. When used intentionally, it improves readability, directs user attention, and gives a layout a more professional and polished look. Think of white space as breathing room for your content—it lets your audience digest information without feeling overwhelmed.

Why is white space important in design?

Good use of white space helps break up dense content, making a webpage feel open and inviting rather than cluttered and chaotic. It draws attention to key elements like call-to-action buttons, headlines, or important product details. It also enhances usability by helping users focus on one thing at a time, improving navigation and reducing cognitive overload.

Whether you're using an AI website builder or designing from scratch, thoughtful white space decisions help make your site look modern and trustworthy. Plus, it plays a role in SEO indirectly by improving user experience, which search engines take into account.

Types of white space in web design

There are two main types of white space:

• Macro white space: Large areas between major layout elements like sections, columns, or cards.
• Micro white space: Smaller spaces like line spacing (leading), padding between buttons, or margins around icons.

Both contribute to the visual hierarchy and user experience of a webpage.

Examples of white space in action

A clean homepage with generous spacing between headings, visuals, and buttons? That’s macro white space. A form with just the right amount of padding around each input field so it doesn’t feel crammed? That’s micro white space at work.

Well-designed websites use both to guide visitors through the page, increase client engagement, and boost clarity without adding visual noise.

How white space affects your website’s performance

White space isn’t just a design choice—it affects how people interact with your site. Pages that are too crowded may drive users away. Clean layouts with thoughtful spacing keep visitors on the page longer, make content easier to scan, and improve mobile responsiveness.

Tools like B12 AI Assist help generate content with these principles in mind, ensuring your text flows smoothly and looks well-structured, whether it's for blog posts, landing pages, or emails.

FAQs about white space in web design

Does white space mean wasted space?

Not at all. White space isn’t wasted—it’s purposeful. It helps create focus, reduce distractions, and improve the user experience.

Is white space only about aesthetics?

While it definitely improves aesthetics, white space also plays a functional role in improving readability, click-through rates, and usability.

Can you have too much white space?

Yes. While white space is beneficial, overdoing it can make a layout feel empty or incomplete. Balance is key.

Is white space important on mobile websites?

Absolutely. On smaller screens, white space helps prevent overcrowding and ensures touch targets aren’t too close together, making your site more user-friendly.

How do I know if my site needs more white space?

If your site feels cluttered, is hard to scan, or users seem overwhelmed, you might benefit from increasing spacing between content sections or simplifying layouts.

Why spacing can make or break your website

In the fast-paced digital world, users form opinions about your site in seconds. If your content feels cramped or chaotic, they’re more likely to bounce. Effective use of white space helps your message land clearly and confidently. Whether you're building a new site or refreshing an old one, spacing is one of the easiest and most impactful design updates you can make.

With tools like B12 AI website builder, optimizing your layout—white space included—is faster and more accessible than ever. When you're ready to design smarter, smoother, and more user-friendly pages, get started with B12.