Prevent flex items from stretching

html

responsive-design

css

flexbox

byAlex Kataev·Jan 14, 2025

To prevent flex items from stretching, apply the CSS property align-items: flex-start to your flex container:

.flex-container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start; // like packing a suitcase, everything fits at the bottom!
}

For vertical items in a column layout, use align-self: flex-start for horizontal alignment on each flex item:

.flex-item {
  align-self: flex-start; // because everyone needs some personal space, right?
}

When you want to prevent a single item from stretching, align-self: flex-start is your go-to property. It allows that item to maintain its dignity without influencing the behavior of its companions.

The essence of alignment

The thin line between flex-start and baseline

In practice, align-items: flex-start aligns the items at the start of the container's cross axis. Whereas, align-items: baseline plays a different game altogether. It takes the base line of the text within the flex items, treating it like the starting line in a 100m dash.

Margin: A flex-item's best friend

Another trick you mustn't miss is using margin-bottom: auto on a flex item. This is akin to absorbing any extra soup in your bowl using bread. It soaks up the additional space, preventing vertical stretch.

Practical tips and pitfalls

Shine a light with background colours

Applying a background color to your flex items can act as a spotlight, revealing their actual dimensions. This can be quite the detective tool when dealing with stretching or collapsing mysteries.

The importance of stress testing

Running tests with various content lengths and container sizes is like taking your car for a test drive before a road trip. It helps ensure the correct behaviour and avert nasty surprises.

Tweak and tune with auto margins

The magic of auto

The margin:auto property is the Marauder's Map of the CSS world. It can isolate an item within the container or create distance from its fellows. It's a subtle and effective way to fine-tune stretching.

Strike a balance

User content, the secret ingredient

When writing CSS for a flex container, remember it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Consider the diversity of the content and choose the flex properties wisely.