CSS Grid Row Start Property

CSS Grid Layout has revolutionized the way we create grid-based interfaces on the web. One of the essential properties within this system is the row-start property, which serves as a foundation for placing grid items effectively. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the CSS Grid Row Start property, exploring its definition, syntax, values, browser support, examples, and more, aimed at beginners ready to enhance their web design skill set.

Definition

The row-start property defines the line where a grid item begins in the vertical direction within a grid layout. This property enables you to control the flow of grid items, resulting in a more organized layout.

Browser Support

Browser	Version	Support
Chrome	57+	✅
Firefox	52+	✅
Safari	10.1+	✅
Edge	16+	✅
IE	Not Supported	❌

Syntax

The syntax for the row-start property is as follows:

grid-row-start: value;

Values

integer

You can specify an integer value that corresponds to the grid line number. For example, using 1 means the item will start at the first row line.

span

Using the span keyword allows you to define how many rows an item should span starting from its original position. For example, span 2 means it will cover two rows starting from the defined row.

keyword

You can also use keywords such as auto to let the item automatically adjust its positioning based on surrounding elements.

Examples

Example 1: Basic Usage

In this straightforward example, we will use the row-start property to position items within a simple grid layout.

<style>
        .grid {
            display: grid;
            grid-template-rows: repeat(3, 100px);
            grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 100px);
        }
        .item1 {
            grid-row-start: 1;
            grid-column-start: 1;
        }
        .item2 {
            grid-row-start: 2;
            grid-column-start: 2;
        }
    </style>

    <div class="grid">
        <div class="item1">Item 1</div>
        <div class="item2">Item 2</div>
    </div>

This creates a 3×3 grid, placing Item 1 at the upper left and Item 2 right below it.

Example 2: Using span

Now let’s see how we can use the span keyword to control the size of grid items.

<style>
        .grid {
            display: grid;
            grid-template-rows: repeat(3, 100px);
            grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 100px);
        }
        .item1 {
            grid-row-start: 1;
            grid-column-start: 1;
            grid-row-end: span 2; /* This spans two rows */
        }
    </style>

    <div class="grid">
        <div class="item1">Item 1</div>
    </div>

Here, Item 1 occupies the first and second rows while being positioned in the first column.

Example 3: Combining with other grid properties

This example demonstrates a combination of the row-start property with other grid properties like column-start and grid-area for more complex layouts.

<style>
        .grid {
            display: grid;
            grid-template-rows: repeat(3, 100px);
            grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 100px);
        }
        .item1 {
            grid-area: 1 / 1 / 3 / 3; /* row-start / column-start / row-end / column-end */
        }
        .item2 {
            grid-row-start: 3;
            grid-column-start: 1;
        }
    </style>

    <div class="grid">
        <div class="item1">Item 1</div>
        <div class="item2">Item 2</div>
    </div>

In this setup, Item 1 spans over two rows and two columns, whereas Item 2 starts from the third row in the first column.

Conclusion

The CSS Grid Row Start property is a powerful tool that helps developers create dynamic and organized layouts with ease. By grasping its syntax and values, you can effectively control the positioning of grid items, enabling you to build responsive designs that adapt to various screen sizes.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the row-start property?

The row-start property specifies the starting position of a grid item along the rows of a CSS grid.

Can I use negative values with row-start?

Yes, negative values correspond to grid lines counting backward from the end of the grid.

Is the row-start property supported in all browsers?

The property is generally well-supported among modern browsers. However, it is not supported in Internet Explorer.

How does row-start work with span?

The span keyword allows a grid item to begin at a grid line and span several rows, providing more control over item placement.

What’s the difference between row-start and grid-row?

The row-start property defines only the starting row line, while grid-row combines row-start and row-end properties for both start and end positions in one declaration.