How Do `align-items` and `align-content` Differ in CSS Grid Layout?

Understanding the Differences Between Align-Items and Align-Content in CSS Grid Layout

In the comprehensive guide to Grid Layout, the concepts of "justify/align-items" and "justify/align-content" properties are introduced. While the author suggests that "-content" properties are utilized when the grid size is smaller than its container, this concept applies to both sets of properties.

Defining the Components of a Grid System

• Grid Container: The parent element that encloses the grid and its items, establishing the formatting context.
• Grid: A grid of intersecting lines that forms areas for grid items to occupy.
• Grid Items: Elements placed within the grid areas.

Alignment of Grid and Grid Items

The justify-content and align-content properties control the alignment of the grid within its container, while justify-self, justify-items, align-self, and align-items govern the alignment of individual grid items.

Illustrating the Concept

Consider a grid that is smaller than its container, as shown below:

[Image of grid layout with extra space in container]

In this scenario, the justify-content and align-content properties can be used to distribute the extra space. For example, justify-content: end right-aligns the grid, while align-content: center vertically centers it.

Beyond Size Considerations

Even if the grid size matches the container size, align-content and justify-content properties remain functional. They enable spacing options like space-around, space-between, and space-evenly, which distribute free space between grid tracks.

Specification Highlights

The CSS Grid Layout specification clarifies the roles of these properties:

• 10.3: Row-Axis Alignment: justify-self and justify-items align grid items horizontally.
• 10.4: Column-Axis Alignment: align-self and align-items align grid items vertically.
• 10.5: Aligning the Grid: justify-content and align-content align the grid within the container if the grid's outer edges do not match the container's content edges.

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