Creating a Complex Layout Using CSS Flexbox: Two Sidebars with Content in the Middle

When it comes to creating complex layouts, CSS flexbox is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your desired design. In this tutorial, we will explore how to create a layout with two sidebars and content in the middle using CSS flexbox.

Understanding CSS Flexbox

CSS flexbox is a layout model that allows you to create flexible and responsive designs. It provides a way to distribute space and align items within a container, making it perfect for creating complex layouts.

Setting up the HTML Structure

Before we dive into the CSS, let’s set up the HTML structure for our layout. We will use a main container div and three child divs: two sidebars and a content div.

<div class="container">
  <div class="sidebar"></div>
  <div class="content"></div>
  <div class="sidebar"></div>
</div>

Styling the Layout with CSS

Now, let’s style our layout using CSS flexbox. We will start by setting the display property of the container to flex, which will enable flexbox layout.

.container {
  display: flex;
}

Next, we will define the width and height of the sidebars and the content div. For this example, let’s assume that each sidebar should take up 25% of the container’s width, and the content div should take up the remaining 50%.

.sidebar {
  width: 25%;
}

.content {
  width: 50%;
}

Aligning the Items

By default, flex items are aligned along the main axis (horizontally) and centered along the cross axis (vertically). In our layout, we want the sidebars to be aligned vertically and the content div to be centered both horizontally and vertically.

To achieve this, we can use the align-items property on the container to align the items vertically.

.container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
}

For the content div, we can use the justify-content property to center it horizontally.

.content {
  width: 50%;
  justify-content: center;
}

Adding Some Styling

Now that we have our layout structure and alignment in place, let’s add some styling to make it visually appealing.

You can add background colors, borders, padding, and margins to the sidebars and the content div to make them stand out. Feel free to experiment and customize the styling to match your design requirements.

Responsive Design Considerations

One of the great advantages of using CSS flexbox is its built-in responsiveness. The layout we have created will automatically adjust and adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

However, keep in mind that you may need to make some adjustments to the layout and styling for smaller screens. You can use media queries to target specific screen sizes and apply different styles as needed.

Conclusion

Creating a complex layout with two sidebars and content in the middle using CSS flexbox is a straightforward process. By understanding the basics of CSS flexbox and applying the appropriate properties, you can easily achieve your desired design.

Remember to experiment with different styles and customize the layout to suit your specific requirements. CSS flexbox provides a flexible and responsive solution for creating complex layouts, making it a valuable tool in your web development toolkit.