CSS Columns

Create beautiful multi-column layouts that work like newspaper columns - content flows naturally from one column to the next

What are CSS Columns?

CSS Columns allow you to arrange content into multiple columns, similar to newspaper layouts. Unlike CSS Grid or Flexbox which are designed for two-dimensional and one-dimensional layouts respectively, CSS Columns are perfect for flowing content naturally from one column to the next.

📰 Natural Flow

Content flows like in a newspaper - from top to bottom, then left to right

⚡ Automatic

Browser automatically balances content across columns

📱 Responsive

Easily adapts to different screen sizes with media queries

Basic Column Properties

Essential Properties:

  • column-count - Number of columns
  • column-width - Minimum column width
  • column-gap - Space between columns
  • column-rule - Line between columns
  • column-span - Make element span all columns
  • break-inside - Control column breaks

Basic Column Examples

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Basic CSS Columns</title>
  <style>
    * {
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
      box-sizing: border-box;
    }
    
    body {
      font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.6;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea 0%, #764ba2 100%);
      min-height: 100vh;
      padding: 2rem;
    }
    
    .container {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 3rem;
      box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
    }
    
    h1 {
      color: #2d3748;
      margin-bottom: 2rem;
      text-align: center;
      font-size: 2.5rem;
    }
    
    .demo-section {
      background: #f8fafc;
      padding: 2rem;
      border-radius: 15px;
      margin: 2rem 0;
      border-left: 4px solid #667eea;
    }
    
    .code-example {
      background: #2d3748;
      color: #81e6d9;
      padding: 1rem;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-family: monospace;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
    }
    
    /* Basic Column Count */
    .basic-columns {
      column-count: 3;
      column-gap: 2rem;
      column-rule: 2px solid #e2e8f0;
    }
    
    .basic-columns p {
      margin-bottom: 1rem;
      color: #4a5568;
    }
    
    /* Column Width Example */
    .width-columns {
      column-width: 200px;
      column-gap: 2rem;
      column-rule: 1px dashed #cbd5e0;
    }
    
    /* Column Span Example */
    .span-columns {
      column-count: 3;
      column-gap: 2rem;
    }
    
    .full-span {
      column-span: all;
      background: #667eea;
      color: white;
      padding: 2rem;
      border-radius: 10px;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      text-align: center;
    }
    
    .card {
      background: #f7fafc;
      padding: 1rem;
      border-radius: 8px;
      margin-bottom: 1rem;
      break-inside: avoid;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container">
    <h1>CSS Columns - Basic Examples</h1>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>1. Column Count</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        column-count: 3;<br>
        column-gap: 2rem;<br>
        column-rule: 2px solid #e2e8f0;
      </div>
      <div class="basic-columns">
        <p>This text is automatically divided into 3 equal columns. The content flows from the first column to the next, just like in a newspaper.</p>
        <p>CSS columns make it easy to create multi-column layouts without complex HTML structures. The browser handles the content distribution automatically.</p>
        <p>You can control the number of columns, the gap between them, and even add rules (lines) between columns for better visual separation.</p>
        <p>This layout is perfect for articles, blog posts, and any text-heavy content where you want to improve readability.</p>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>2. Column Width</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        column-width: 200px;<br>
        column-gap: 2rem;
      </div>
      <div class="width-columns">
        <p>Instead of specifying the number of columns, you can set a minimum width for each column. The browser will create as many columns as needed to fill the container.</p>
        <p>This approach is more flexible and responsive. As you resize the browser window, the number of columns will change automatically to maintain the minimum width.</p>
        <p>If the container is 800px wide and you set column-width: 200px, you'll get 4 columns (800 ÷ 200 = 4). But if you resize to 600px, you'll get 3 columns.</p>
        <p>This method is great for creating responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes.</p>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>3. Column Spanning</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        column-span: all;
      </div>
      <div class="span-columns">
        <div class="card">
          <h3>Card 1</h3>
          <p>This card stays within the column flow.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="card">
          <h3>Card 2</h3>
          <p>Another regular card in the columns.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="full-span">
          <h3>⚠️ This Element Spans All Columns!</h3>
          <p>The "column-span: all" property makes this element break out of the column flow and span across all columns.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="card">
          <h3>Card 3</h3>
          <p>Content continues normally after the spanning element.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="card">
          <h3>Card 4</h3>
          <p>Final card in the column layout.</p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</body>
</html>

Responsive Column Layouts

Media Queries

Adjust column count based on screen size for optimal readability on all devices.

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  column-count: 2;
}

Flexible Width

Use column-width to create columns that adapt automatically to container size.

column-width: 250px;
/* Auto-adjusts columns */

Responsive Columns Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Responsive CSS Columns</title>
  <style>
    * {
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
      box-sizing: border-box;
    }
    
    body {
      font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.6;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #4facfe 0%, #00f2fe 100%);
      min-height: 100vh;
      padding: 2rem;
    }
    
    .container {
      max-width: 1400px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 3rem;
      box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
    }
    
    h1 {
      color: #2d3748;
      margin-bottom: 2rem;
      text-align: center;
      font-size: 2.5rem;
    }
    
    .demo-section {
      background: #f8fafc;
      padding: 2rem;
      border-radius: 15px;
      margin: 2rem 0;
    }
    
    .code-example {
      background: #2d3748;
      color: #81e6d9;
      padding: 1rem;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-family: monospace;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
    }
    
    /* Responsive Columns with Media Queries */
    .responsive-columns {
      column-count: 4;
      column-gap: 2rem;
    }
    
    @media (max-width: 1200px) {
      .responsive-columns {
        column-count: 3;
      }
    }
    
    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .responsive-columns {
        column-count: 2;
        column-gap: 1.5rem;
      }
    }
    
    @media (max-width: 480px) {
      .responsive-columns {
        column-count: 1;
        column-gap: 1rem;
      }
    }
    
    .item {
      break-inside: avoid;
      background: white;
      padding: 1rem;
      margin-bottom: 1rem;
      border-radius: 8px;
      box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
      border-left: 4px solid #4facfe;
    }
    
    /* Auto Column Width */
    .auto-columns {
      column-width: 250px;
      column-gap: 1.5rem;
    }
    
    .breakpoint-indicator {
      position: fixed;
      top: 20px;
      right: 20px;
      background: #2d3748;
      color: white;
      padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-family: monospace;
      font-size: 0.8rem;
    }
    
    .info-box {
      background: #e3f2fd;
      padding: 1.5rem;
      border-radius: 10px;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      border-left: 4px solid #2196f3;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="breakpoint-indicator" id="breakpoint">Desktop: 4 columns</div>
  
  <div class="container">
    <h1>Responsive CSS Columns</h1>
    
    <div class="info-box">
      <h3>📱 Responsive Design</h3>
      <p>This demo shows how CSS columns adapt to different screen sizes. Resize your browser window to see the magic!</p>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>Media Query Approach</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        /* Default: 4 columns */<br>
        column-count: 4;<br><br>
        
        /* Large screens: 3 columns */<br>
        @media (max-width: 1200px) {<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;column-count: 3;<br>
        }<br><br>
        
        /* Tablets: 2 columns */<br>
        @media (max-width: 768px) {<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;column-count: 2;<br>
        }<br><br>
        
        /* Mobile: 1 column */<br>
        @media (max-width: 480px) {<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;column-count: 1;<br>
        }
      </div>
      
      <div class="responsive-columns">
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 1</h4>
          <p>Responsive column layout that adapts to screen size.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 2</h4>
          <p>Automatic content balancing across columns.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 3</h4>
          <p>Mobile-first responsive design approach.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 4</h4>
          <p>Flexible column gaps and rules.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 5</h4>
          <p>Easy to implement with pure CSS.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 6</h4>
          <p>Excellent browser support.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 7</h4>
          <p>Perfect for card layouts.</p>
        </div>
        <div class="item">
          <h4>Feature 8</h4>
          <p>Great for magazine-style designs.</p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>Automatic Column Width</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        column-width: 250px;<br>
        column-gap: 1.5rem;
      </div>
      
      <div class="info-box">
        <p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Using <code>column-width</code> instead of <code>column-count</code> makes your layout more flexible. The browser automatically creates as many columns as can fit with the specified minimum width.</p>
      </div>
      
      <div class="auto-columns">
        <p>This layout uses <code>column-width: 250px</code>. The browser will create columns that are at least 250px wide. If there's extra space, columns might be wider. If there's not enough space, you'll get fewer columns.</p>
        <p>This approach is often better for responsive design because it adapts naturally to different container sizes without needing media queries.</p>
        <p>Try resizing your browser window to see how the columns adjust automatically!</p>
        <p>The content flows smoothly from one column to the next, creating a natural reading experience similar to a newspaper or magazine.</p>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>

  <script>
    function updateBreakpointIndicator() {
      const width = window.innerWidth;
      const indicator = document.getElementById('breakpoint');
      
      if (width >= 1200) {
        indicator.textContent = "Desktop: 4 columns";
      } else if (width >= 768) {
        indicator.textContent = "Tablet: 3 columns";
      } else if (width >= 480) {
        indicator.textContent = "Mobile Large: 2 columns";
      } else {
        indicator.textContent = "Mobile: 1 column";
      }
    }
    
    updateBreakpointIndicator();
    window.addEventListener('resize', updateBreakpointIndicator);
  </script>
</body>
</html>

Advanced Column Techniques

Masonry Layouts

Create Pinterest-style layouts using break-inside: avoidto prevent items from breaking across columns. Perfect for card-based designs.

.masonry-item {
  break-inside: avoid;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

Column Balancing

Control how content is distributed with column-fill. Choose between balance (even distribution) or auto (sequential filling).

column-fill: balance; /* Even columns */
column-fill: auto;   /* Fill sequentially */

Advanced Techniques Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Advanced CSS Columns</title>
  <style>
    * {
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
      box-sizing: border-box;
    }
    
    body {
      font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.6;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ff9a9e 0%, #fecfef 100%);
      min-height: 100vh;
      padding: 2rem;
    }
    
    .container {
      max-width: 1400px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 3rem;
      box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
    }
    
    h1 {
      color: #2d3748;
      margin-bottom: 2rem;
      text-align: center;
      font-size: 2.5rem;
    }
    
    .demo-section {
      background: #f8fafc;
      padding: 2rem;
      border-radius: 15px;
      margin: 2rem 0;
    }
    
    .code-example {
      background: #2d3748;
      color: #81e6d9;
      padding: 1rem;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-family: monospace;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
    }
    
    /* Masonry Layout */
    .masonry-layout {
      column-count: 4;
      column-gap: 1.5rem;
    }
    
    .masonry-item {
      break-inside: avoid;
      margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 12px;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: transform 0.3s ease;
    }
    
    .masonry-item:hover {
      transform: translateY(-5px);
    }
    
    .masonry-content {
      padding: 1.5rem;
    }
    
    .masonry-item.small { height: 150px; background: #ffebee; }
    .masonry-item.medium { height: 200px; background: #e3f2fd; }
    .masonry-item.large { height: 280px; background: #e8f5e8; }
    .masonry-item.xlarge { height: 350px; background: #f3e5f5; }
    
    /* Column Fill Balancing */
    .balance-example {
      column-count: 3;
      column-gap: 2rem;
      column-fill: balance;
      height: 300px;
      border: 2px solid #e2e8f0;
      padding: 1rem;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      background: #f8fafc;
    }
    
    .balance-example.auto {
      column-fill: auto;
    }
    
    /* Fancy Column Rules */
    .fancy-columns {
      column-count: 3;
      column-gap: 3rem;
      column-rule: 3px double #ff6b6b;
      column-rule-offset: 1rem;
      padding: 2rem;
    }
    
    .info-box {
      background: #ffeaa7;
      padding: 1.5rem;
      border-radius: 10px;
      margin: 1rem 0;
      border-left: 4px solid #fdcb6e;
    }
    
    .comparison {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 2rem;
      margin: 2rem 0;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container">
    <h1>Advanced CSS Column Techniques</h1>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>Masonry Layout</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        column-count: 4;<br>
        column-gap: 1.5rem;<br><br>
        
        .masonry-item {<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;break-inside: avoid;<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;margin-bottom: 1.5rem;<br>
        }
      </div>
      
      <div class="info-box">
        <p><strong>Masonry Tip:</strong> Use <code>break-inside: avoid</code> to prevent items from breaking across columns. This creates a Pinterest-style layout where items of different heights flow naturally.</p>
      </div>
      
      <div class="masonry-layout">
        <div class="masonry-item small">
          <div class="masonry-content">
            <h4>Short Content</h4>
            <p>This card has minimal content and demonstrates the masonry effect.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="masonry-item large">
          <div class="masonry-content">
            <h4>Large Card</h4>
            <p>This card has more content and shows how masonry layout handles varying heights while maintaining beautiful column flow.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="masonry-item medium">
          <div class="masonry-content">
            <h4>Medium Card</h4>
            <p>Medium-sized content that flows naturally between columns in the masonry layout.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="masonry-item xlarge">
          <div class="masonry-content">
            <h4>Extra Large Card</h4>
            <p>This is a much larger card with extensive content. The masonry layout ensures it doesn't break across columns while maintaining perfect visual flow and balance between all columns.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="masonry-item small">
          <div class="masonry-content">
            <h4>Another Short One</h4>
            <p>Compact card that fits nicely in the masonry grid.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        <div class="masonry-item medium">
          <div class="masonry-content">
            <h4>Final Medium Card</h4>
            <p>Balanced content for testing the masonry layout effect.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>Column Fill Balancing</h2>
      
      <div class="comparison">
        <div>
          <h4>column-fill: balance (Default)</h4>
          <div class="code-example">
            column-fill: balance;<br>
            height: 300px;
          </div>
          <div class="balance-example">
            <p>Balanced columns distribute content evenly across all columns. The browser tries to make each column approximately the same height.</p>
            <p>This works great for text content where you want equal visual weight across all columns.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
        
        <div>
          <h4>column-fill: auto</h4>
          <div class="code-example">
            column-fill: auto;<br>
            height: 300px;
          </div>
          <div class="balance-example auto">
            <p>Auto fill fills columns sequentially. The first column gets filled completely before moving to the next.</p>
            <p>This mimics traditional newspaper behavior and can be more efficient for certain layouts.</p>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>Fancy Column Rules</h2>
      <div class="code-example">
        column-rule: 3px double #ff6b6b;<br>
        column-rule-offset: 1rem;<br>
        column-gap: 3rem;
      </div>
      
      <div class="fancy-columns">
        <p>Column rules can be styled just like borders! You can use different styles: solid, dashed, dotted, double, groove, ridge, inset, outset.</p>
        <p>The <code>column-rule-offset</code> property adds space between the content and the rule line, creating better visual separation.</p>
        <p>This is perfect for creating magazine-style layouts with elegant separators between columns.</p>
        <p>Experiment with different colors, widths, and styles to match your design aesthetic.</p>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</body>
</html>

Practical Real-World Examples

📰 News Layout

Magazine-style articles with balanced columns

🛍️ Product Grid

E-commerce listings with masonry effect

💰 Pricing Table

Multi-column pricing comparisons

Practical Examples

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Practical CSS Column Examples</title>
  <style>
    * {
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
      box-sizing: border-box;
    }
    
    body {
      font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.6;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #a8edea 0%, #fed6e3 100%);
      min-height: 100vh;
      padding: 2rem;
    }
    
    .container {
      max-width: 1400px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }
    
    h1 {
      color: #2d3748;
      margin-bottom: 2rem;
      text-align: center;
      font-size: 2.5rem;
    }
    
    /* News Layout */
    .news-layout {
      column-count: 3;
      column-gap: 2rem;
      margin: 2rem 0;
    }
    
    .news-article {
      break-inside: avoid;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 12px;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
      margin-bottom: 2rem;
      overflow: hidden;
    }
    
    .news-image {
      width: 100%;
      height: 200px;
      background: linear-gradient(45deg, #667eea, #764ba2);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: white;
      font-size: 1.5rem;
    }
    
    .news-content {
      padding: 1.5rem;
    }
    
    .news-title {
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
      color: #2d3748;
    }
    
    /* Product Grid */
    .product-grid {
      column-count: 4;
      column-gap: 1.5rem;
      margin: 2rem 0;
    }
    
    .product-card {
      break-inside: avoid;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 12px;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
      margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
      padding: 1rem;
      text-align: center;
    }
    
    .product-image {
      width: 100%;
      height: 120px;
      background: linear-gradient(45deg, #ff9a9e, #fad0c4);
      border-radius: 8px;
      margin-bottom: 1rem;
    }
    
    /* Pricing Table */
    .pricing-columns {
      column-count: 3;
      column-gap: 0;
      margin: 2rem 0;
      background: white;
      border-radius: 15px;
      overflow: hidden;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
    }
    
    .pricing-tier {
      break-inside: avoid;
      padding: 2rem;
      text-align: center;
      border-right: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    }
    
    .pricing-tier:last-child {
      border-right: none;
    }
    
    .price {
      font-size: 2.5rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #667eea;
      margin: 1rem 0;
    }
    
    .demo-section {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
      padding: 2rem;
      border-radius: 15px;
      margin: 2rem 0;
      backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
    }
    
    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .news-layout,
      .product-grid,
      .pricing-columns {
        column-count: 2;
      }
    }
    
    @media (max-width: 480px) {
      .news-layout,
      .product-grid,
      .pricing-columns {
        column-count: 1;
      }
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="container">
    <h1>Practical CSS Column Examples</h1>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>📰 News Magazine Layout</h2>
      <div class="news-layout">
        <article class="news-article">
          <div class="news-image">Breaking News</div>
          <div class="news-content">
            <h3 class="news-title">CSS Columns Revolutionize Web Design</h3>
            <p>Discover how CSS columns are changing modern web layout techniques with their simplicity and power.</p>
          </div>
        </article>
        
        <article class="news-article">
          <div class="news-image">Tech Update</div>
          <div class="news-content">
            <h3 class="news-title">Responsive Design Made Easy</h3>
            <p>Learn how to create responsive layouts that work perfectly on all devices using CSS columns.</p>
          </div>
        </article>
        
        <article class="news-article">
          <div class="news-image">Tutorial</div>
          <div class="news-content">
            <h3 class="news-title">Mastering Column Layouts</h3>
            <p>Step-by-step guide to creating professional multi-column layouts with pure CSS.</p>
          </div>
        </article>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>🛍️ Product Grid Layout</h2>
      <div class="product-grid">
        <div class="product-card">
          <div class="product-image"></div>
          <h3>Wireless Headphones</h3>
          <p>High-quality sound with noise cancellation</p>
          <div class="price">$199.99</div>
        </div>
        
        <div class="product-card">
          <div class="product-image"></div>
          <h3>Smart Watch</h3>
          <p>Track your fitness and stay connected</p>
          <div class="price">$299.99</div>
        </div>
        
        <div class="product-card">
          <div class="product-image"></div>
          <h3>Laptop Stand</h3>
          <p>Ergonomic design for better posture</p>
          <div class="price">$49.99</div>
        </div>
        
        <div class="product-card">
          <div class="product-image"></div>
          <h3>Phone Case</h3>
          <p>Protective case with stylish design</p>
          <div class="price">$29.99</div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    
    <div class="demo-section">
      <h2>💰 Pricing Table Layout</h2>
      <div class="pricing-columns">
        <div class="pricing-tier">
          <h3>Basic</h3>
          <div class="price">$19<span>/mo</span></div>
          <p>Perfect for small projects</p>
        </div>
        
        <div class="pricing-tier">
          <h3>Professional</h3>
          <div class="price">$49<span>/mo</span></div>
          <p>Ideal for growing businesses</p>
        </div>
        
        <div class="pricing-tier">
          <h3>Enterprise</h3>
          <div class="price">$99<span>/mo</span></div>
          <p>For large organizations</p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</body>
</html>

Best Practices & Common Pitfalls

✅ Do This

  • Use break-inside: avoid for cards and images
  • Set appropriate column-gap for readability
  • Test on different screen sizes
  • Use column-width for flexible layouts
  • Consider mobile users with single-column fallback
  • Use semantic HTML structure

❌ Avoid This

  • Too many columns on small screens
  • Forgetting to test content balancing
  • Ignoring browser support for older browsers
  • Using fixed heights without overflow handling
  • Mixing with complex float layouts
  • Overusing column-span: all

📊 Browser Support & Performance

CSS Columns have excellent browser support and great performance characteristics. They're much lighter than JavaScript masonry solutions.

Chrome
✓ 100%
Firefox
✓ 100%
Safari
✓ 100%
Edge
✓ 100%

When to Use CSS Columns vs Grid/Flexbox

✅ Use CSS Columns For:

  • Newspaper/magazine layouts
  • Text-heavy content that flows naturally
  • Masonry-style card grids
  • Content that should balance across columns
  • Simple multi-column text layouts
  • When you want automatic content flow

🔄 Use Grid/Flexbox For:

  • Complex two-dimensional layouts
  • Precise control over rows and columns
  • Alignment of items in both directions
  • When you need specific item placement
  • Form layouts and control panels
  • When content shouldn't flow between columns

Ready to Master CSS Columns?

Experiment with our comprehensive examples and create your own multi-column layouts. From basic text flows to advanced masonry designs, CSS columns make it easy!

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