Vertical Align — Code Challenge
Put centre using layout alignment into practice. Rebuild the example from its HTML, then compare your result with the CSS solution. Change the content and the viewport before calling it finished.
How it works
- In a row flex container, align-items controls the cross axis, which is normally vertical. A minimum height leaves space in which the alignment can be seen.
- Distinguish normal document flow from the formatting context created by flex, grid, floats, or positioned boxes. The same property can behave differently in each context.
- Try the example at a narrow width and with a longer heading. A layout should accommodate content rather than depend on one exact sentence.
Your task
Use the HTML below to explore this rule: In a row flex container, align-items controls the cross axis, which is normally vertical. A minimum height leaves space in which the alignment can be seen. Write your own CSS before opening the solution. Then replace the heading with a longer one and verify that the content is still readable.
Review the CSS solution
.layout { display: flex; min-height: 380px; align-items: center; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.card { flex: 1 1 200px; }
A solution to compare
The HTML supplies the content; the CSS below styles it. Open both together in the playground, then change the lesson rules at the end of the stylesheet.
<div class="layout"><article class="card"><span class="badge">This Saturday</span><h2>Neighbourhood repair club</h2><p>Bring a small project. Share a useful skill.</p><a href="#booking">View the workshop</a></article><article class="card"><span class="badge">This Saturday</span><h2>Build a bird box</h2><p>Bring a small project. Share a useful skill.</p><a href="#booking">View the workshop</a></article><article class="card"><span class="badge">This Saturday</span><h2>Mend a favourite shirt</h2><p>Bring a small project. Share a useful skill.</p><a href="#booking">View the workshop</a></article></div>
body { margin: 0; padding: 24px; font-family: system-ui, sans-serif; color: #25332d; background: #f4f7f2; }
.card { padding: 20px; background: white; border: 1px solid #d4dfd6; }
h2 { margin-top: 0; }
p { line-height: 1.6; }
a { color: #17634c; }
.badge { display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 12px; font-size: .8rem; }
.layout { display: grid; gap: 16px; }
.photo { width: 100%; height: 160px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #e4af6b, #668cba); }
button, input, select { font: inherit; padding: 8px; }
label { display: block; margin-block: 12px 4px; }
/* This lesson */
.layout { display: flex; min-height: 380px; align-items: center; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.card { flex: 1 1 200px; }
In a row flex container, align-items controls the cross axis, which is normally vertical. A minimum height leaves space in which the alignment can be seen.