Html table headers always visible at top of window when viewing a large table

html

responsive-design

sticky-headers

css-selectors

byNikita Barsukov·Dec 2, 2024

To make table headers permanently visible at the top while scrolling, apply position: sticky directly to your <th> elements along with top: 0;. Don't forget to add a distinct background and higher z-index to ensure visibility. Enough talk, let's look at the code:

thead th {
  /* Sticky position like your chewing gum  */
  position: sticky;
  /* Always hang out at the top */
  top: 0;
  /* No ghost headers please */
  background: #fff;
  /* Staying on top (literally) */
  z-index: 100;
}

By adding this CSS, your headers will stay put while you scroll.

Exploration with jQuery and CSS tactics

Even though the pure CSS solution is effortless, sometimes you need more control. Let's discuss other options:

Sticky headers with jQuery.php

Utilizing jQuery plugins such as jQuery.floatThead and StickyTableHeaders offers you a position: sticky in steroids, giving more substantial control over table header behavior.

jQuery.floatThead: This plugin provides an easy way to float the table header while leaving the rest untouched. It works like a charm with popular table plugins like DataTables.

/* Stick that header like you mean it */
$('table').floatThead();

StickyTableHeaders: It creates a fixed header for your table without you having to alter your markup. Perfect for a responsive design.

/* Stick it till you feel it */
$('table').stickyTableHeaders();

Stationary Headers with `position: fixed`

The position: fixed CSS property can also create a similar effect within a scrolling container. However, it might require maintaining the coordination of the header and body column widths—not for the faint-hearted.

The Clone Wars: Two-table approach

One workaround is creating a duplicate table with the same headers and fixed position while the original table scrolls. But beware: dealing with clones can lead to a tragic saga.

Tweaking the `top` property

You can conveniently adjust the sticky header offset using the top CSS property if it's being overlaid by another fixed element.

A glance at potential roadblocks

Sticky headers are great for usability but they add their two bits of challenges:

Layering Issues

Headers may get obscured by sibling contents with higher z-index values. Combat it by elevating your headers' z-index.

Haunting Headers

Headers, due to their sticky nature, may hover over the following content once you scroll past the table. Finish the table with a margin-bottom equalling the header's height to avoid this spookiness.

Conflicting CSS Selectors

The CSS selectors :last-child and :first-child might conflict with your sticky headers. You can either reset them within the th scope or override with more specific rules.