Centering the pagination in bootstrap

html

bootstrap

responsive-design

pagination

byAlex Kataev·Aug 3, 2024

To center a Bootstrap pagination, you'll want to apply the .justify-content-center class to its parent container:

<nav aria-label="Page navigation">
  <ul class="pagination justify-content-center">
    <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="#">Previous</a></li>
    <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="#">1</a></li>
    <li class="page-item active"><a class="page-link" href="#">2</a></li>
    <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="#">3</a></li>
    <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="#">Next</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

The flexbox utility class .justify-content-center works like a charm for centering without the need for additional wrappers or manual CSS.

Bootstrap version-wise centering

Understanding how centering works across different bootstrap versions is crucial to cater to your specific needs.

Centering in Bootstrap 4: Simplified

In Bootstrap 4, centering is made simple with flexbox classes. Make use of .justify-content-center after making your container a flex container using .d-flex.

<nav class="d-flex justify-content-center">
  <ul class="pagination">
    <!-- Page items go here -->
  </ul>
</nav>

Centering in Bootstrap 3: Keeping it traditional

If you're using Bootstrap 3, you won't have flexbox utilities. But worry not, centering is still possible using .text-center.

<div class="text-center">
  <ul class="pagination">
    <!-- Paging Dr. Bootstrap? -->
  </ul>
</div>

Centering in Bootstrap 2 and below: Old school

For versions of Bootstrap before 3, more often than not, you'll have to resort to custom CSS.

.pagination {
  display: table;  /*I'm a classic old table*/
  margin-left: auto; /*auto, because I like to go with the flow*/
  margin-right: auto; /*and yes, I prefer balance*/
}

Comprehending responsive centering

Responsive design plays a key role in webpage adaptability. For instance, .text-xs-center class in Bootstrap 4 caters to centering on extra small devices, while later versions have a generic .text-center for all breakpoints.

Troubleshooting centering mishaps

Centering issues? Here are a few things that might be messing with your perfect align:

Conflicting CSS: Check any in-line or external styles that could be overriding Bootstrap classes.
Incorrect Markup: Ensure Bootstrap's markup protocols and container types complement with your version.
Missing Dependencies: Double-check your Bootstrap CSS or JS file references, vital for correct pagination component function and appearance.

Are you a Laravel user utilizing Blade templates with Bootstrap for pagination? Use this syntax to generate Bootstrap-styled links:

{{ $products->links("pagination::bootstrap-4") }} 
<!--Looks complex? Nah, just making my pages stylish ;)-->

## Decoding the alignment misalignment
Centering not working as expected? Here's what you can do:

- **Version compatibility**: Cross verify **classes** with your Bootstrap **version**.
- **Markup validator**: Use **W3C Markup Validation** service.
- **Element Inspector**: Resort to developer tools browser extension to **inspect** pagination elements and check computed styles.