CSS Z-Index | asadmukhtar.info
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CSS z-index

The CSS z-index property controls the stacking order of overlapping elements. Elements with a higher z-index value appear on top of elements with a lower value.

 

1️⃣ How z-index Works

  • z-index applies only to elements with a position of relative, absolute, fixed, or sticky.
  • Elements with higher z-index values are placed in front of lower z-index elements.
  • Default z-index is auto (follows the document order).

 

2️⃣ z-index in Action

🔹 Example without z-index

.box1, .box2 {
  position: absolute;
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
}

.box1 {
  background: blue;
  top: 50px;
  left: 50px;
}

.box2 {
  background: red;
  top: 70px;
  left: 70px;
}

Result:
Since .box2 is placed after .box1, it appears on top.

 

3️⃣ Using z-index to Control Layering

.box1 {
  position: absolute;
  background: blue;
  top: 50px;
  left: 50px;
  z-index: 2; /* Higher value, appears on top */
}

.box2 {
  position: absolute;
  background: red;
  top: 70px;
  left: 70px;
  z-index: 1; /* Lower value, appears behind */
}

Result:
Now .box1 appears on top of .box2 because of the higher z-index value.

 

4️⃣ Negative z-index Values

  • A negative z-index places an element behind other elements.
  • But it can only move behind elements in the same stacking context.
.box {
  position: absolute;
  z-index: -1;
}

Result:
The element moves behind other elements.


5️⃣ When z-index Doesn't Work

  • It doesn’t apply to static positioned elements.
  • If an element is inside a container with z-index, it follows the container’s stacking context.

To fix this, set position: relative; or another positioned value.

 


6️⃣ Summary Table

Property Effect
z-index: auto; Default stacking order (follows the document order).
z-index: 1; Higher value, element appears in front.
z-index: -1; Moves element behind others.
z-index: 999; Used for popups, modals, tooltips.

 


7️⃣ Conclusion

The CSS z-index property helps control how elements overlap.

  • Use higher z-index values for elements that should be on top.
  • Use negative z-index values to send elements behind others.
  • Remember, z-index works only for positioned elements (relative, absolute, fixed, sticky).