HTML Layout

HTML Layout Elements

Websites often display content in multiple columns (like a magazine or newspaper).

HTML5 offers new semantic elements that define the different parts of a web page:

• <header> - Defines a header for a document or a section
• <nav> - Defines a container for navigation links
• <section> - Defines a section in a document
• <article> - Defines an independent self-contained article
• <aside> - Defines content aside from the content (like a sidebar)
• <footer> - Defines a footer for a document or a section
• <details> - Defines additional details
• <summary> - Defines a heading for the <details> element

HTML Layout Techniques

There are five different ways to create multicolumn layouts. Each way has its pros and cons:

• HTML tables (not recommended)
• CSS float property
• CSS flexbox
• CSS framework
• CSS grid

Which One to Choose?

HTML Tables

The <table> element was not designed to be a layout tool! The purpose of the <table> element is to display tabular data. So, do not use tables for your page layout! They will bring a mess into your code. And imagine how hard it will be to redesign your site after a couple of months.

Tip: Do NOT use tables for your page layout!

CSS Frameworks

If you want to create your layout fast, you can use a framework, like Bootstrap.

---

CSS Floats

It is common to do entire web layouts using the CSS float property. Float is easy to learn - you just need to remember how the float and clear properties work. Disadvantages: Floating elements are tied to the document flow, which may harm the flexibility. Learn more about float in our CSS Float and Clear chapter.

CSS Flexbox

Flexbox is a new layout mode in CSS3.

Use of flexbox ensures that elements behave predictably when the page layout must accommodate different screen sizes and different display devices. Disadvantages: Does not work in IE10 and earlier.

Learn more about flexbox in our CSS Flexbox chapter.

CSS Grid View

The CSS Grid Layout Module offers a grid-based layout system, with rows and columns, making it easier to design web pages without having to use floats and positioning.

Disadvantages: Does not work in IE nor in Edge 15 and earlier.

Learn more about CSS grids in our CSS Grid View chapter.