Module 23 : CSS Grid vs. Flexbox: When and How to Use Them Together
1. Understanding CSS Grid and Flexbox
What is CSS Grid?
CSS Grid is a two-dimensional layout system that allows you to design web pages by defining rows and columns. It provides precise control over the placement of elements and is ideal for structuring full-page layouts.
What is Flexbox?
Flexbox (Flexible Box Layout) is a one-dimensional layout system designed to distribute space along a single axis—either horizontally (row) or vertically (column). It is best suited for aligning items within a container.
2. When to Use CSS Grid vs. Flexbox?
Feature CSS Grid Flexbox
Layout Type Two-dimensional (rows and columns) One-dimensional (row or column)
Best For Overall page layout, complex structures Aligning items within a container
Control Precise row and column placement Automatic content distribution
Responsiveness Good for structured layouts with defined areas Best for flexible, content-driven layouts
Example Use Cases Website layouts, dashboards, card-based designs Navigation bars, buttons, alignment of elements
3. Using CSS Grid and Flexbox Together
Why Combine Both?
While Grid provides a solid structure, Flexbox is excellent for arranging elements inside grid areas. A common use case is using CSS Grid for the main page layout and Flexbox for navigation bars, buttons, and card alignments within the grid.
Practical Example: Blog Layout
Step 1: Create the Basic HTML Structure
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>CSS Grid & Flexbox</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
<div class="container">
<header class="header">Header</header>
<nav class="nav">Navigation</nav>
<main class="main">
<div class="cards">
<div class="card">Card 1</div>
<div class="card">Card 2</div>
<div class="card">Card 3</div>
</div>
</main>
<aside class="sidebar">Sidebar</aside>
<footer class="footer">Footer</footer>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Step 2: Define the CSS Grid Layout
* {
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.container {
display: grid;
grid-template-areas:
"header header"
"nav main"
"nav sidebar"
"footer footer";
grid-template-columns: 1fr 3fr;
grid-template-rows: auto 1fr 1fr auto;
height: 100vh;
gap: 10px;
padding: 10px;
}
.header {
grid-area: header;
background: #4CAF50;
padding: 20px;
text-align: center;
}
.nav {
grid-area: nav;
background: #2196F3;
padding: 20px;
}
.main {
grid-area: main;
background: #f4f4f4;
padding: 20px;
}
.sidebar {
grid-area: sidebar;
background: #ff9800;
padding: 20px;
}
.footer {
grid-area: footer;
background: #607D8B;
padding: 20px;
text-align: center;
}
Step 3: Apply Flexbox to Align Cards Inside the Grid
.cards {
display: flex;
gap: 10px;
flex-wrap: wrap;
justify-content: space-between;
}
.card {
background: white;
padding: 20px;
border-radius: 5px;
box-shadow: 0px 0px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
flex: 1;
min-width: 200px;
}
4. Explanation of the Code
Grid for Page Layout:
The container uses CSS Grid to define areas (grid-template-areas).
The page is structured into header, navigation, main content, sidebar, and footer.
The navigation bar takes the full left column, while the main content and sidebar are placed in the right column.
Flexbox for Inner Layout:
Inside .main, the .cards section is displayed using Flexbox.
The flex-wrap: wrap; ensures cards adjust to the available space.
justify-content: space-between; evenly spaces the cards.
5. Exercises for Practice
Exercise 1: Modify the Grid Layout
Add another section below the sidebar.
Adjust grid-template-areas to accommodate this section.
Ensure responsiveness by adjusting grid-template-columns.
Exercise 2: Adjust Flexbox Alignment
Modify .cards to have justify-content: center; and observe the change.
Add a max-width to .card to limit the card's size.
Test different values for flex-grow to see how it affects the layout.
Exercise 3: Create a Responsive Design
Use @media queries to switch to a single-column layout on smaller screens.
Modify grid-template-columns and flex-direction dynamically.
6. Preparing Lectures & Explanation Strategy
Lecture Breakdown
Introduction to CSS Grid and Flexbox
Explanation of core concepts, when to use each.
Real-world examples and comparisons.
Using CSS Grid for Layouts
Creating structured layouts with grid-template-areas.
Controlling spacing, alignment, and responsiveness.
Using Flexbox for Content Distribution
Aligning elements inside grid areas.
Making dynamic, flexible UI components.
Combining CSS Grid and Flexbox
Hands-on project: Build a blog layout.
Optimizing layouts for different screen sizes.
Practice Exercises & Q/A Session
Hands-on coding challenges.
Debugging common layout issues.
7. Summary
Use CSS Grid for structuring layouts (two-dimensional designs).
Use Flexbox for aligning and distributing elements inside those layouts.
Combining both provides maximum flexibility and control for responsive designs.
By the end of this module, students will have hands-on experience with Grid and Flexbox, allowing them to design modern, responsive web pages efficiently.
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