How to prevent scrollbar from repositioning web page?

Code snippets to control scrollbar-induced shifts

Here we delve into the various ways you can achieve webpage layout stability, progressing from basic overflow-y: scroll to more fine-tuned tactics:

Maintaining scrollbar presence with dynamic adjustment

html {
  overflow-y: scroll; // Always show scrollbar, whether it's needed or not. CSS rules! 😉
}

body {
  padding-left: calc(100vw - 100%); // Create illusion of a scrollbar even when it’s off-duty
}


Here, the calc() function is employed to adaptively compute the scrollbar width, ensuring the original layout fidelity is maintained.

Halting horizontal layout shifts

Disallow horizontal shifts with a combination of overflow control and negative margin:

body {
  overflow-x: hidden; // Keeps horizontal overflow under control 
  margin-right: calc(-1 * (100vw - 100%)); // Because everyone hates horizontal jumps!
}


This ensures that your content stays put, resisting the magnet pull of the scrollbar.

CSS3 and viewport-responsive design

For responsively designed layouts that bow to the presence of a scrollbar, consider the following:

.container {
  width: calc(100% - (100vw - 100%)); // Makes room for your unexpected scrollbar guest
}


This technique sets containers' widths that are accommodating to both viewport width and active scrollbars.

Addressing browser-specific quirks

While implementing these solutions, don't forget that each browser has its own unique flavor. For instance, Internet Explorer (IE) often calls for special attention.

Catering to Internet Explorer

In older browsers like IE 7, applying overflow-y: scroll; on the body tag can cause an unintended wobble in alignment. Hence, it is advisable to apply it on the html tag:

html {
  overflow-y: scroll; // IE's awkward phase 🙈
}


Using CSS3 in older browsers

Legacy browser demands are tackled by CSS3's calc() and vw units, which provide a graceful degradation in functionalities in older environments.

Going a step further...

Using viewport units

Viewport units like vw hold tremendous potential for shaping a layout that's responsive to viewport changes. They redefine malleability, especially when it comes to scrollbars.

Simulating scrollbars: A power move!

There might be scenarios where the sight of a scrollbar could blot your design. In such cases, wrap the content in a div and introduce padding to mimic the scrollbar's behavior while keeping it out of sight!