Web Design Tools

CSS Grid has revolutionized the way we create layouts on the web. This two-dimensional layout system gives developers unprecedented control over both rows and columns, making complex designs easier to implement.

Grid Basics

To get started with CSS Grid, you first define a grid container:

.container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  grid-gap: 20px;
}

This creates a 3-column grid with equal-width columns and 20px gaps between items.

Advanced Techniques

CSS Grid offers powerful features like:

• Fractional units (fr) for flexible sizing
• Grid areas for semantic layouts
• Auto-placement algorithms
• Responsive design with minmax()

For responsive layouts, combine grid with media queries:

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .container {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
}

Flexbox is a one-dimensional layout model that provides an efficient way to distribute space among items in a container, even when their size is unknown or dynamic.

Flex Container Properties

The key properties for the flex container are:

• display: flex - enables flexbox
• flex-direction - sets the main axis
• justify-content - alignment along main axis
• align-items - alignment along cross axis
• flex-wrap - controls wrapping behavior

Flex Item Properties

Important properties for flex items:

.item {
  flex-grow: 0;   /* default 0 */
  flex-shrink: 1; /* default 1 */
  flex-basis: auto; /* default auto */
  align-self: auto; /* override align-items */
}

The shorthand flex property combines grow, shrink, and basis:

.item {
  flex: 1 0 200px; /* grow | shrink | basis */
}

Understanding color theory is essential for creating visually appealing and effective websites. Colors evoke emotions and influence user behavior.

Color Models

Web designers work with several color models:

• RGB - Additive color model for screens
• HSL - Hue, Saturation, Lightness (more intuitive)
• HEX - Hexadecimal representation of RGB

Color Harmony

Effective color schemes include:

• Monochromatic - Variations of a single hue
• Analogous - Colors adjacent on the wheel
• Complementary - Opposite colors
• Triadic - Three evenly spaced colors

Accessibility

Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background. The WCAG recommends:

• 4.5:1 for normal text
• 3:1 for large text (18px+)

Typography is a cornerstone of web design. Responsive typography ensures your text looks great on all devices.

Viewport Units

Use viewport units for scalable typography:

h1 {
  font-size: calc(1.5rem + 3vw);
}

Modular Scale

Create harmonious type scales using ratios:

:root {
  --ratio: 1.25;
  --s0: 1rem;
  --s1: calc(var(--s0) * var(--ratio));
  --s2: calc(var(--s1) * var(--ratio));
}

Fluid Typography

Combine min/max sizes with viewport units:

p {
  font-size: clamp(1rem, 0.75rem + 1vw, 1.25rem);
}

Line Length & Height

Optimal reading requires:

• 45-75 characters per line
• 1.5-1.6 line height for body text
• Shorter line heights for headings