Centering floating divs within another div

Centering techniques

The modern way: Flexbox

Flexbox offers an elegant way for centering items horizontally and vertically. The properties justify-content: center; and align-items: center; are your partners in crime here.

.parent {
  display: flex;  /* Let's flex those centering muscles! */
  justify-content: center;  /* Horizontally centering like a boss */
  align-items: center;  /* Vertically centering like an even bigger boss */
}
.child {
  /* Float? Not here, pal! */
}
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Old school: Block centering

For block elements centering like divs, we simply declare a width, then implement margin-left: auto; and margin-right: auto;. Simplicity is key!

div {
  width: 50%; /* Decidedly defining width */
  margin-left: auto; /* Let left margin do some auto magic! */
  margin-right: auto; /* Not leaving right margin out of the fun! */
}
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Float balancing: clearfix

If floating elements are vital, use a clearfix to halt a parental collapse:

.clearfix::after {
  content: "";
  display: table;  /* Becomes a table. No, not that type of dinner table */
  clear: both; /* Sorcery for clearing both sides */
}
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Customization techniques

Setting dimensions like a pro

Control your landscape - be decisive about width and height for elements:

.parent {
  width: 80%; /* Properly appointed width */
  margin: auto;
}
.child {
  width: 30%; /* Responsive design with percentages */
}
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Handy helper divs

There are situations where display: inline-block; may not be suitable or preferred. Helper divs with an overflow: hidden; method can lend a hand or consider absolute positioning within a relative container.

Tread lightly with browser compatibility

Advanced features like flexbox befriend modern browsers but frown upon older browsers. Check your compatibility and have a fallback plan.

Responsiveness tactics

The wonder of media queries

Media queries help tweak layouts on varied screens, making sure the centering doesn't go haywire.

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .child {
    width: 100%; /* Screens smaller than 600px get full-width treatment */
  }
}
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Scalability with ems

Using the em measurement for your margins and widths creates a fluid layout that can adapt based on the font size.