CSS Layout Problems & Fixes

<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>Every web developer has faced frustrating <strong>CSS layout problems</strong> — broken grids, misaligned elements, overflowing content. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common layout issues and how to fix them effectively.</p>

<h3>1. Elements Not Centering</h3>
<p>One of the most common CSS frustrations is centering elements horizontally or vertically.</p>

<pre><code>/* Problem */

.parent { height: 200px; } .child { margin: auto; /* Doesn’t center vertically */ }</code></pre>

<h4>✅ Fix with Flexbox</h4>
<pre><code>.parent {

display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; height: 200px; }</code></pre>

<h3>2. Floats Breaking Layout</h3>
<p>Before Flexbox, floats were used for layouts. But without clearfix, elements collapse.</p>

<pre><code>.container {

overflow: hidden; /* Quick clearfix */ }</code></pre>

<h3>3. Content Overflowing</h3>
<p>Sometimes text or images overflow the container, breaking design.</p>

<pre><code>.text {

white-space: nowrap; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; } img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }</code></pre>

<h3>4. Sticky Footer Issue</h3>
<p>Footer doesn’t stick to bottom if content is short.</p>

<pre><code>body {

display: flex; flex-direction: column; min-height: 100vh; } main { flex: 1; }</code></pre>

<h3>5. Flexbox/Gird Gaps</h3>
<p>Inconsistent spacing between elements.</p>

<pre><code>.grid {

display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 20px; /* Use gap instead of margins */ }</code></pre>

<h3>6. Z-Index Not Working</h3>
<p>Z-index issues usually come from missing <code>position</code>.</p>

<pre><code>.modal {

position: relative; /* Required */ z-index: 1000; }</code></pre>

<h3>7. Responsive Issues</h3>
<p>Elements breaking on smaller screens.</p>

<pre><code>@media (max-width: 768px) {

.grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }</code></pre>

<h3>Best Practices</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Use Flexbox/Grid instead of floats.</li>
  <li>Always reset CSS with a simple <code>* { box-sizing: border-box; }</code>.</li>
  <li>Use <code>gap</code> for spacing instead of margins where possible.</li>
  <li>Test layouts on different screen sizes.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Most CSS layout issues can be solved with modern techniques like Flexbox and Grid. By following best practices, you can avoid hacks and write clean, responsive layouts.</p>