How to Align Content Vertically Center Inside a Div Without Flex or Grid?

We usually use flex or grid to properly position the content inside a div to vertically center.  You can now do things like vertical centering within a div without needing to apply flex or grid layout, and without side effects like preventing margin-collapse, which you may not want from those layout algorithms.

In this article, you will learn to utilise CSS properties effectively, centering content within a div, lesser-known issues, and improving the process.

The Issue: Aligning Content Vertically Without Flex or Grid

When designing layouts, centering content vertically within a div often leads to two main challenges:

1. Over-Reliance on Layout Properties: Many developers rely on display: flex or display: grid for achieving vertical alignment. Although useful, these properties introduce layout behaviours (like controlling child element positioning) that may not be needed.
2. Side Effects: Using flex or grid can result in unintended consequences, like stopping margin merging or overriding some child element styles.

For developers who want simplicity, like placing an element or a small portion of text, these solutions look complicated. 

The Solution: Use align-content: center

CSS now provides an elegant way to vertically center content inside a div without relying on flex or a grid. The align-content property is your go-to solution in this scenario.

How It Works

The align-content property aligns the content vertically center when applied to a block container. Unlike flex or grid, it doesn’t introduce complex layout dependencies, keeping your CSS clean and simple.

Benefits of Using align-content for Vertical Alignment

1. No Side Effects: It won’t interfere with the margin collapsing and positioning of child elements like flex or grid.
2. Simplicity: Ideal for straightforward use cases like centering text or small elements.
3. Compatibility: Supported by most modern browsers, ensuring a wide reach.

Conclusion

Aligning content vertically within a div doesn’t need to be a complicated process. If the align-content property is properly utilized, one will realize that this won’t require layout-intensive approaches such as flex or grid. This approach is time-effective; avoids unwanted side effects, and keeps your code streamlined.

Not sure how to optimize your CSS and are facing layout problems? Hire a developer from our list of professionals to make your visions come alive in the details!