CSS Grid vs Flexbox: When to Use Which

Layout Systems in Modern CSS

CSS Grid and Flexbox are two powerful layout systems that have revolutionized web design. Understanding when to use each is key to building responsive, maintainable layouts.

Flexbox: One-Dimensional Layout

Flexbox is designed for one-dimensional layouts - either a row or a column. It's perfect for:

• Navigation bars
• Card layouts
• Centering content
• Distributing space between items

CSS Grid: Two-Dimensional Layout

Grid excels at two-dimensional layouts with rows and columns. Use it for:

• Page layouts
• Dashboard grids
• Complex responsive designs
• Magazine-style layouts

Using Them Together

The best approach often combines both systems. Use Grid for the overall layout and Flexbox for component-level alignment.