In this guide, we will explain to you how to use CSS Flex and Grid to control the layout. With the help of this, we can set any layout on the website as we want.
So let's get started.
Table of Contents
- CSS Grid Layout
- CSS Flex Layout
- What is the difference between CSS Flex and CSS Grid?
- One-Dimensional vs Two-Dimensional
- Content-First vs Layout-First
- Use of Grid and Flex
- Which one is the best for making a responsive layout?
- Which is better CSS Flex or Grid?
- Conclusion
CSS Grid Layout
With the help of CSS Grid, we can create a two-dimensional layout. With which we can set the layout in both rows and columns on a webpage. This helps create advanced layouts without the need for other CSS tricks like floats or frameworks.
To start using CSS Grid, simply add the "display: grid" property to your element to turn it into a grid container.
CSS Flex Layout
With the help of CSS Flex, we can arrange any layout in one direction, either row or column. This is useful for spacing and aligning items inside a container.
To start using Flex, just add "display: flex" to your container. This turns all the items inside into flexible elements, ready to be arranged and styled easily.
What is the difference between CSS Flex and CSS Grid?
With the help of both CSS Flex and CSS Grid, we can control the layout, but the difference between them is that CSS Flex helps in aligning the content and arranging the blocks in one direction, either row or column. On the other hand, CSS Grid allows you to design more complicated 2D layouts by allowing you control over both rows and columns at the same time.
One-Dimensional vs Two-Dimensional
CSS Flex is a one-dimensional layout system, which means it allows you to control either rows or columns at a time.
CSS Grid allows us to control a two-dimensional layout while simultaneously controlling rows and columns.
Content-First vs Layout-First
When using CSS Flex, it lines up items based on their content, like putting them in a row. On the other hand, CSS Grid helps you organize your webpage layout, deciding where each item should go in a structured manner.
To explain this better, let's use a simple example.
Example of the Grid Layout
<head>
<style>
.container {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
gap: 10px;
padding: 10px;
background-color: steelblue;
}
.box {
background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);
border: 2px solid black;
padding: 30px;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="container">
<div class="box"> Box 1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Vel omnis tempore
distinctio
totam eum velit illo quaerat, pariatur provident atque?</div>
<div class="box"> Box 2</div>
<div class="box"> Box 3</div>
<div class="box"> Box 4 </div>
<div class="box"> Box 5</div>
<div class="box"> Box 6 </div>
<div class="box"> Box 7</div>
<div class="box"> Box 8</div>
<div class="box"> Box 9</div>
<div class="box"> Box 10</div>
</div>
</body>In this example, the content inside the box doesn't stretch automatically to fit the container size based on its content.
Example of the Flex Layout
<head>
<style>
.container {
display: flex;
gap: 10px;
padding: 10px;
background-color: steelblue;
}
.box {
background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);
border: 2px solid black;
padding: 30px;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="container">
<div class="box"> Box 1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Vel omnis tempore
distinctio
totam eum velit illo quaerat, pariatur provident atque?</div>
<div class="box"> Box 2</div>
<div class="box"> Box 3</div>
<div class="box"> Box 4 </div>
<div class="box"> Box 5</div>
<div class="box"> Box 6 </div>
<div class="box"> Box 7</div>
<div class="box"> Box 8</div>
<div class="box"> Box 9</div>
<div class="box"> Box 10</div>
</div>
</body>In this example, the box adjusts its size to fit the content inside. Even if there are fewer than ten boxes, the layout will still use the entire width. This happens because the first box contains text and will keep getting bigger to fit all its content.
Use of Grid and Flex
Grid:
The grid is often chosen for big projects or intricate designs because it controls both horizontal and vertical dimensions simultaneously. It's great because it easily makes layouts responsive with minimal code. Plus, it lets you add space between different parts or sections effortlessly.
Flex:
Flex is perfect for smaller designs that need to work with either rows or columns. It's useful for aligning elements and perfect when you're not sure how your content will look on the page but want everything to fit nicely.
Which one is the best for making a responsive layout?
If you're looking to make a responsive layout, the best choice depends on the complexity of your design.
For large or complex layouts, using a grid is a good option. With this, we can easily create large projects as we can create responsive layouts with little code.
For smaller or simpler layouts, Flex is a good option. It's easy to make these layouts responsive using media queries, and Flex helps align elements neatly.
Which is better CSS Flex or Grid?
Choosing between CSS Flex and Grid depends on the task at hand, and there's no strict rule dictating which to use. Both aim to minimize coding efforts while maximizing results.
But there are some cases where either grid or flex performs faster and better than the other. For this, we have suggested below which is better for which work.
Use Grid for 2D or complex layouts that need to be responsive with minimal code.
Flex works well for smaller layouts like navbars, and it's easier to make them responsive using media queries.
Before making a decision, look at the layout of your project and understand which of the two you should use. However, you can use both of them in the same project.
Conclusion
To control the layout, you need to understand the difference between flex and grid, which we have explained to you well. For example, flex is used in small layouts to control the layout in one direction, whereas a grid is used for complex designs, through which we can set the layout in both directions.
I hope you now fully understand both CSS Flex and Grid. You can use them together in the same project based on your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to ask using the question box below, and you will get the answer soon.