The four patterns
- F-pattern: readers sweep across the top, then partway across a second line, then scan down the left edge. Fixations cluster at the top and left. NN/g describes it as the least effective way to read a page, and good design can prevent it.
- Layer-cake (skimming): readers jump between headings and subheadings and skip the body text between them. NN/g calls it by far the most effective way to scan, apart from reading nearly every word.
- Spotted: readers hunt for specific words or chunks, often links, bulleted items or emphasized terms, and skip everything else.
- Commitment: readers read most of the text, line by line. It means the content is holding attention.
Read the source research: Text Scanning Patterns: Eyetracking Evidence and F-Shaped Pattern of Reading on the Web from Nielsen Norman Group.
What to do about each
| Pattern | What it suggests | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| F-pattern | Content is dense; readers skim the left edge | Put key points first, use clear subheadings, shorten paragraphs |
| Layer-cake | Headings are doing the work | Write headings that stand alone and tell the story |
| Spotted | Readers want a specific thing | Make links, numbers and key terms easy to find |
| Commitment | Content is engaging | Keep it up; add a clear next step where reading ends |
How Datsnip uses these
Datsnip's Reading Insights classify each page as F-pattern, skimming, spotted or committed reading. The label is estimated from scroll-depth data, not eye tracking, so treat it as a useful signal rather than a measurement of gaze. Open the Inspector on a page to see its reading-pattern badge and scroll zones.
Frequently asked questions
Is the F-pattern still relevant?
Nielsen Norman Group states the pattern remains common, including on mobile, and that good design can prevent it. It is a warning sign when it appears on a page you wanted people to read closely.
Can Datsnip see where people look?
No. Datsnip does not track gaze. It estimates a reading pattern from how far visitors scroll, and shows where signals cluster on the page.
See how people read your pages.
Reading Insights are part of Behavior OS.