Minimum and maximum value of z-index?

html

responsive-design

css

best-practices

byAlex Kataev·Sep 24, 2024

The z-index property in CSS accepts any integer from -2147483648 to 2147483647, due to 32-bit integer constraints. For stacking layers, logically structured z-index values are more maintainable than extreme values. Here's a quick usage:

.bringToFront {
    z-index: 10; /* Because 9 is too mainstream */
}

.sendToBack {
    z-index: -1; /* Hide and seek champion */
}

zoning into z-index

No, you're not incepting. Diving deeper into z-index can feel like falling into a dream within a dream, but understanding its intricacies is key to mastering CSS layering.

Stacking context - A z-index prerequisite

An element's z-index is only meaningful within its stacking context. Positioning an element with an explicit z-index creates this context, influencing how sibling and child elements stack. Essentially:

Parental hierarchy: Parent and child elements share a stacking context. A child z-index is not globally significant but is relative to its parent.

Keep it low: The art of manageable z-index values

With great power, comes great responsibility. Sure, you could use 2147483647 just because you can, but that's like using a bazooka to kill a mosquito. Less is more:

Logical Layering: Start small, increment logically. Future you will thank current you.

Playing nice: z-index and browser performance

While browsers automatically correct skyscraper-sized z-index values, habitually sticking to more reasonable values is advisable.

Browser Budgeting: Avoid z-index values your browser has to sweat to interpret.

z-index due diligence: Cross-browser testing

Design might be subjective, but z-index? Gotta make it consistent across the board.

Visually, I mean it

Visualizing z-index as an elevator journey gets you to the heart of the matter quicker than you can say z-index: 9999.

👑 9 -------- (Maximum: 2147483647)
🧩 3
📌 2
🧵 1 -------- (Minimum: -2147483648)
🕳️ 0 Base Level (No z-index)

Imagine each floor as possible layer positions, where you're either going beyond the clouds at 2147483647 or digging down to China at -2147483648!

Power of inheritance - The cascading aspect of z-index

Ever heard of family politics? Much like traditional inheritance, child elements are impacted by changes to parent's z-index. All in the family:

Adjust jaws, not values: Adjusting a parent's z-index can surprisingly alter children's stacking order.

Frameworks, libraries and z-index

Using CSS in a team? Working with Bootstrap or jQuery? Knowing the z-index norms of your ecosystem is key.

Integration matters: Your custom z-index needs to play nice within the framework's rules.

Your myopia - accessibility and z-index

Do your duty for www (wonderful world of the web). Ensure z-index choices don't limit usability.

explain-codes / Html / Minimum and maximum value of z-index?

Linked

Bring element to front using CSS



Z-index not working with position absolute



Position Absolute + Scrolling



Target a CSS class inside another CSS class



Difference between _self, _top, and _parent in the anchor tag target attribute



Select first occurring element after another element



How to overlay images

