Website Guidelines

Supported Browsers

Specifically, we support the latest versions of the following browsers and platforms. We no longer support Internet Explorer due to security concerns. More specific support information is provided below.

Chrome Firefox Edge Safari
Android Supported Supported N/A N/A
iOS Supported N/A Supported
Mac OS X Supported Supported Supported
Windows Supported Supported Supported Not Supported

Each of the major browsers displays webpages differently. In most cases, these differences are minor. In some cases, the discrepancies can be significant. We have attempted to design our webpages so that they work properly on as many different versions of the major browsers as possible. However, we highly recommend that you use the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Devices

We recently redesigned our website to be responsive so that the website will format differently depending upon the device you are using. The webpages should work properly on desktops, tablets and mobile phones. This design approach is being implemented for all new and redesigned County websites. However, not all County websites have been updated so some websites will not reformat to fit your device.

Standard File Formats

Adobe PDF

The county standard file format for documents and forms is Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). PDF is the de facto standard for the secure and reliable distribution and exchange of electronic documents and forms around the world. PDF is a universal file format that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of documents, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. For these reasons, it is the ideal file format for county documents and forms. You will need the free Adobe Reader to open PDF documents.

Links to PDF's on our website will indicate that they are PDF's. After the link, you will see "PDF" or a symbol like this PDF icon. On newer webpages, you will find a button in the footer to download the reader. Older webpages will include a link on the webpage.

Microsoft Word

Some documents or forms are also provided in Microsoft Word format. In such a case, the link will indicate that the file format is Word and a link to the Word Viewer will be provided for users who do not have Word.

Microsoft Powerpoint

Some documents may also be provided in Microsoft Powerpoint format. In such a case, the link will indicate that the file format is Powerpoint and a link to the PowerPoint Viewer will be provided for users who do not have PowerPoint.

Images

Standard file formats like JPEG, GIF & PNG are used for images. ALL IMAGES ON THE WEBSITE ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. Please refer to the County Privacy Statement for more information about copyrights. These files should be viewable by all of the major browsers.

In some cases, a TIFF file may be provided. Your browser may not be able to display the TIFF file format. In such a case, you will need to download the file and save it to your hard drive. You then must use a graphics program that can open the TIFF file.

Pop-ups

Our website utilizes pop-up windows to enhance your user experience. We do not utilize automatic pop-ups on our website. Pop-ups are utilized:

  • To open links to other websites
  • To open PDF's, images, and other types of files
  • To provide additional information about a webpage or link

We recommend that you setup your pop-up blocking software to allow pop-ups from our website.

Display Settings

The Alameda County Website is best viewed with the settings below:

  • Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
  • Color: True Color 24-bit or higher
  • Monitor / Display Font Size: Small