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Div vertical scrollbar show

html
responsive-design
scrollbar
performance
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Nov 25, 2024
TLDR

To permanently display a vertical scrollbar in a div, set the CSS overflow-y property to scroll:

.div-scroll { overflow-y: scroll; height: 200px; /* Or your desired ballpark figure */ }

Deploy this CSS class in your HTML:

<div class="div-scroll"> Your content here! </div>

This ensures a persistent scrollbar in your div, even if your content falls short of overflowing.

A deep dive into scrollbars

When constructing a page on the world wide web, housing scrollable content inside a div can sometimes be a tricky affair. Let's break down each important aspect, leading to a smoother user experience (UX).

Scrollbar visibility – A game of hide and seek

The height of the div plays a crucial role in this game. Set a solid height (e.g., height:350px), and the scrollbar will stick around even if it doesn’t have a full day’s work. It's like a lazy cat who refuses to move off your chair, even when you don't need it.

Responsive design – Cuz size does matter

When designing for devices of all sizes, shaping your scrollbar to adapt is key. Using a percentage-based height (say, height:50vh) or media queries can make the scroll bar shine across devices, enhancing its usability and maintaining its apparent functionality.

Dynamic content – When life comes at you fast

In dynamic web applications, content can change in a heartbeat. With React.js at your side and the trusty map function as your weapon of choice, you can keep content overflow within the div, allowing your scrollbar to keep pace with this fast changing content.

Smooth operators – Performance and Scroll Smoothness

Remember, the smoother, the better. Optimizing for a painting, and composing smooth transitions enhance UX. Visual consistency and smoothness can be assured by careful testing - something a tool like jsFiddle is perfect for.

Cross-browser compatibility is a must

Strive for consistency across various browsers. Testing on multiple platforms is the way to ensure compatibility. With this routine, you are now one step closer to keeping all scrollbar-related nightmares at bay.

Custom scrollbar designs - Dress to impress

It's okay to want more from life. Move away from the default scrollbar and explore the world of custom designs. Enhance the user experience, control, and inherit all the style points.

Avoiding those pesky layout shifts

Always displaying your scrollbar (overflow-y: scroll) has a secret superpower - preventing layout shift. Particularly helpful for pages where content keeps popping up unexpectedly, similar to the gremlins in your favorite social media feeds.

DOCTYPE and scrollbar consistency - details matter

Here's a secret ingredient – using a <!DOCTYPE> declaration at the start of your HTML document ensures that the browser renders the page in the standard mode. This affects how scrollbars behave, so remember to declare <!DOCTYPE html> for the most consistent results across modern browsers.