CSS Layout Basics

CSS layout is a fundamental aspect of web design. It involves arranging HTML elements in a visually appealing and functional way. This tutorial will cover the basics of CSS layout, including different layout techniques and properties.

Layout Techniques

1. Box Model

The Box Model is a fundamental concept in CSS. It defines how elements are displayed on the web page. Every element is treated as a box with properties like margin, border, padding, and content.

• Margin: Space around the element.
• Border: Line around the element.
• Padding: Space between the content and the border.
• Content: The actual content of the element.

2. Flexbox

Flexbox is a powerful layout tool that allows you to create complex layouts with ease. It is based on a single container and multiple items inside it.

• Container: The element that holds the items.
• Items: The elements inside the container.

3. Grid

CSS Grid is a two-dimensional layout system that allows you to create complex layouts with rows and columns.

• Rows: Horizontal divisions.
• Columns: Vertical divisions.

Properties

1. Display

The display property defines how an element is displayed on the web page.

• Block: Takes up the full width available and starts on a new line.
• Inline: Takes up only the necessary width and stays on the same line.
• Inline-block: Combines the properties of inline and block.

2. Flex Properties

Flex properties are used to control the layout of items inside a flex container.

• Flex-direction: Defines the direction of the flex items.
• Justify-content: Defines how the flex items are distributed along the main axis.
• Align-items: Defines how the flex items are aligned along the cross axis.

3. Grid Properties

Grid properties are used to control the layout of items inside a grid container.

• Grid-template-columns: Defines the number and size of columns.
• Grid-template-rows: Defines the number and size of rows.
• Grid-area: Defines the position and size of an item within the grid.

Resources

For more information on CSS layout, you can visit our CSS Layout Deep Dive tutorial.

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