Layout Glossary

Browse 9 layout terms defined in plain English, from the cultural dictionary of computing.

9 Layout Terms

CSS Grid
A two-dimensional CSS layout system for creating complex grid-based designs with rows and columns. Unlike Flexbox (one-dimensional), Grid handles both axes...
CSS Layout
The arrangement of visual elements on a web page using CSS rules such as flexbox, grid, positioning, sizing, and spacing. CSS layout work focuses on how...
Flexbox
A one-dimensional CSS layout model for distributing space and aligning items along a single axis (row or column). Handles content of unknown size, enables...
Grid
A two-dimensional CSS layout system that allows developers to arrange elements in rows and columns simultaneously, providing precise control over alignment,...
Masonry Layout
A layout algorithm where items of varying heights are packed into columns such that each new item is placed in the shortest column, creating a staggered grid...
Resize Observer
A browser API that reports changes to an element's dimensions. Unlike window resize events, ResizeObserver watches individual elements, enabling responsive...
Scroll Snap
A CSS feature (`scroll-snap-type` and `scroll-snap-align`) that forces a scrollable container to settle on specific snap points after the user stops scrolling,...
Space Invader
A visual element or component that appears where it does not belong and disrupts the layout. In engineering slang, it can also refer to a rogue process or...
Z-Index
A CSS property controlling the stacking order of overlapping positioned elements. Higher values appear in front. Notoriously confusing because z-index only...

Related Topics