Two Layout Systems
CSS Grid and Flexbox excel in different scenarios.
Flexbox: One-Dimensional
Best for arranging items along a single axis — navbars, card footers, centering content.
.nav { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; }
CSS Grid: Two-Dimensional
Best for controlling layout in both rows and columns — page layouts, dashboards, galleries.
.dashboard { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 250px 1fr 300px; gap: 1.5rem; }
Decision Framework
- Flexbox: 1D layout, content-first sizing
- Grid: 2D layout, structured sizing
The Simple Rule
Use Flexbox for one direction. Use Grid for two-dimensional layouts. When in doubt, start with Flexbox.
Originally published on IceCat Studio Blog.