Why do webpages scroll vertically instead of horizontally?

Because it is more efficient. If you have to scroll horizontal, you have to scroll for each line of text to the end, go back for the beginning of the next line, scroll for the end of that line, go back for the beginning of the next line etc.

1. Why are vertical scrolls are preferred to horizontal scroll?
2. Why is horizontal scrolling discouraged in Web pages?
3. How do I make my browser scroll horizontally?
4. Is horizontal or vertical scrolling better?

Why are vertical scrolls are preferred to horizontal scroll?

A study presented at WWW2009 (PDF) found that users preferred vertical scrolling because they were used to it as opposed to horizontal scrolling and some pointed out that horizontal scrolling because it "forced them to move their eyes vertically up and down the full height of the screen", which isn't the case with ...

Why is horizontal scrolling discouraged in Web pages?

Content hidden by a horizontal scroll is at a disadvantage because even salient visual cues don't offer strong information scent: users can hardly guess what information they will get once they click on an arrow or scroll horizontally.

How do I make my browser scroll horizontally?

Horizontal scrolling can be achieved by clicking and dragging a horizontal scroll bar, swiping sideways on a desktop trackpad or trackpad mouse, pressing left and right arrow keys, or swiping sideways with one's finger on a touchscreen.

Is horizontal or vertical scrolling better?

Horizontal scrolling is a good option for design portfolios and photography sites where users need to go through multiple images quickly and easily. Navigating vertically in these situations is chaotic and puts a lot of strain on the user.