When a website is displayed incorrectly, it can stem from various causes. This article outlines the most common reasons behind display issues and provides comprehensive solutions to resolve them effectively.

Common Causes of Website Display Issues

1. Outdated Browser Version

An outdated browser may not correctly render modern web technologies.

  • Symptoms: Missing layouts, incorrect fonts, or colours.
  • Solution:
    • Update your browser to the latest version.
    • Test the website in different browsers to identify compatibility issues.

2. Corrupted or Incomplete CSS Files

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) governs the visual presentation of a website. Corrupted or missing CSS files can lead to display problems.

  • Symptoms: Lack of styling, disorganised content.
  • Solution:
    • Check if all CSS files load correctly (using browser developer tools).
    • Fix syntax errors using tools like the W3C CSS Validator.

3. Incompatible Plugins or Themes

For WordPress websites, incompatibilities between plugins or themes can cause visual errors.

  • Symptoms: Broken sections, layout issues, JavaScript errors.
  • Solution:
    • Deactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
    • Ensure plugins and themes are compatible with your WordPress version.

4. Caching Issues

Cached data may display an outdated version of the website.

  • Symptoms: Changes on the website are not visible.
  • Solution:
    • Clear the browser and server cache.
    • Configure cache plugins like “WP Super Cache” correctly.

5. JavaScript Errors

Faulty JavaScript can disrupt interactive elements and the overall display of the website.

  • Symptoms: Non-functional menus, sliders, or other interactive features.
  • Solution:
    • Use the browser’s developer console to identify JavaScript errors.
    • Fix issues in the relevant JavaScript files.

6. Hosting Environment Problems

The server configuration plays a critical role in website performance and appearance.

  • Symptoms: Slow loading times, incomplete loading of elements.
  • Solution:
    • Ensure the server uses a recommended PHP version (PHP 8.0 or higher).
    • Verify that all required server modules are installed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting Display Issues

graph TD A[Website displays incorrectly] --> B[Update browser] A --> C[Fix CSS issues] A --> D[Check plugins/themes] A --> E[Clear cache] A --> F[Inspect JavaScript errors] A --> G[Verify hosting configuration]

Proactive Measures to Prevent Display Issues

  1. Regular Updates: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up-to-date.
  2. Compatibility Tests: Test new plugins and themes in a staging environment.
  3. Browser Compatibility Checks: Test the website on major browsers and various devices.
  4. Backup Strategies: Maintain regular backups to quickly recover from errors.

Conclusion

Incorrect website displays can arise from a variety of issues, including outdated software and server misconfigurations. With the solutions outlined here, you can effectively identify and fix these problems. Additionally, implementing proactive measures ensures your website remains stable and displays correctly in the long term.

Image credits:
Photo courtesy of Gratisography
Photo Diagramm of whimsical