In Phase 8 of our Mastering Flexbox collection, we occupied with controlling spacing with Hollow as an alternative of relying on margin for repeated spacing patterns. We spotted how Horizontal Hollow and Vertical Hollow help create cleaner, additional consistent spacing right through rows, columns, and Module Groups.
Now, in Section 9, we’re focusing on any other not unusual responsive construction question: how do you create flexible multi-column sections without reaching for CSS Grid every time? CSS Grid remains to be the appropriate device for true two-dimensional layouts, in particular when you wish to have precise row and column placement, overlapping items, or extraordinarily peculiar grid patterns. Then again for quite a few regularly layouts, similar to card grids, lower up content material subject matter sections, sidebar layouts, feature rows, and mixed-width columns, Divi 5’s Flexbox gadget gives you a faster, additional visual workflow.
By means of combining Column Class, Construction Wrapping, Hollow, Justify Content material subject matter, Align Items, and Display Order, you’ll assemble responsive, grid-like column layouts immediately inside the Visual Builder. In this post, we’ll show you techniques Column Class works, how it pairs with the Flexbox controls you’ve already came upon, and create responsive column patterns that stay flexible right through Desktop, Tablet, and Phone.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Without end Don’t Need CSS Grid In Divi 5
Many designers assume that every multi-column construction needs CSS Grid. In Divi 5, that isn’t at all times the case. Flexbox is especially powerful while you’re construction layouts that float in one number one path, wrap onto new lines, and adapt naturally as house changes.
That covers many not unusual internet web page patterns, in conjunction with:
- Similar-width feature grids
- Asymmetric content material subject matter sections
- Card layouts with wrapped rows
- Content material subject matter and sidebar mixtures
- CTA sections with blended column widths
- Responsive footer structures
There are a number of advantages to using Flexbox for the ones layouts:
- Cleaner alignment and spacing keep an eye on: Justify Content material subject matter, Align Items, and Hollow let you arrange alignment and gutters immediately from the mum or father container.
- Easier responsive reflow: Column Class and Construction Wrapping let columns switch onto new lines without duplicating sections or writing media queries.
- Flexible cellular hierarchy: Display Order signifies that you’ll switch necessary columns earlier or later at specific breakpoints.
- More practical nesting: Module Groups, Nested Rows, and nested parts can each have their own construction context when part of a Flex development.
That said, CSS Grid however has its place. Use Grid when your design needs precise two-dimensional keep an eye on over rows and columns, offset placement, overlapping parts, or a construction that are meant to follow a suite grid map as an alternative of a natural flex float.
For quite a few Divi layouts, despite the fact that, Flexbox is enough. It assists in keeping the development visual, responsive, and more uncomplicated to keep an eye on inside the builder.
Working out Column Class
Column Class is among the most necessary sizing apparatus in Divi 5’s Flexbox gadget. It signifies that you’ll choose how so much horizontal house a Column should take within a Flex row. Instead of environment fixed pixel widths, you choose a predefined fraction. Divi then uses that value since the Column’s width basis inside the Flex construction, while however operating alongside Hollow, Construction Wrapping, and other Flexbox controls.
What Column Class In fact Does
Whilst you set a Column Class on a Column, you may well be defining how vast that Column should be right through the Row’s Flex construction. As an example:
- Fullwidth uses the full available row width.
- 1/2 creates a half-width column.
- 1/3 creates a third-width column.
- 1/6 creates a narrower column that can fit into denser multi-column layouts.

This makes it more uncomplicated to create an identical and asymmetric layouts without writing custom designed CSS.
You’ll be in a position to choose from a variety of predefined widths, in conjunction with Fullwidth, 3/4, 2/3, 1/2, 1/4, and further. You’ll be capable to moreover choose No Column Class when you want the Column’s measurement to be made up our minds by the use of its content material subject matter and other sizing behavior as an alternative of a predefined fraction.
How Column Class Works With Construction Wrapping
Column Class becomes in particular useful when combined with Construction Wrapping. When Wrap is enabled, Columns can sit aspect by the use of aspect as long as there’s enough available house.

When the combined Column widths and Hollow values no longer fit on one line, the Columns can wrap onto the next line. Each Column however respects its Column Class value after it wraps.
That’s the core development at the back of many responsive, grid-like layouts built with Flexbox.
Responsive Column Class
Column Class can be adjusted in keeping with breakpoint. That means a construction can use wider multi-column settings on Desktop, more effective two-column settings on Tablet, and a single-column stack on Phone.

As an example, six Columns set to 1/3 on Desktop may art work well in a big construction, alternatively that exact same development may in point of fact really feel cramped on Tablet or Phone. If this is the case, you’ll keep an eye on individual Column Class values at a lower breakpoint or observe a Building Template from the Row’s Content material subject matter tab to exchange a couple of Columns faster.
This gives you responsive development keep an eye on without writing media queries or duplicating the an identical content material subject matter for quite a lot of devices.
Combining Column Class With Other Flexbox Controls
Column Class controls the width of the Columns, alternatively the encircling Flexbox settings keep an eye on how those Columns align, wrap, house, and reorder. Essentially the most tough layouts normally combine a variety of of the ones controls.
Construction Trail + Construction Wrapping
For column layouts, you’ll normally keep Construction Trail set to Row so Columns float horizontally.

Whilst you permit Construction Wrapping, Columns can switch to the next line once they no longer fit aspect by the use of aspect. That’s what shall we in a single Row to behave like a responsive multi-row construction.

Justify Content material subject matter And Align Items
Justify Content material subject matter controls how Columns are allocated along the main axis. Useful possible choices include Get began, Middle, Space Between, and Space Lightly.

Align Items controls alignment along the transfer axis. In a horizontal row, that normally approach vertical alignment. Stretch turns out to be useful when you want Columns within the an identical line to proportion the available height.

Together, the ones controls help you refine how Columns sit right through the Row after their widths are defined by the use of Column Class.
Horizontal Hollow And Vertical Hollow
As we lined in Phase 8, Hollow is normally the cleanest technique to keep an eye on repeated spacing between similar parts. Observe Horizontal Hollow on the Row to create gutters between Columns.

Observe Vertical Hollow on the Row to keep an eye on spacing between wrapped lines of Columns. You’ll be capable to moreover observe Vertical Hollow to individual Columns or Module Groups to keep an eye on spacing between modules within them.

Using Hollow as an alternative of repeated margins assists in keeping spacing more uncomplicated to keep an eye on when Columns wrap on smaller shows.
Display Order
Display Order signifies that you’ll exchange the visual order of Columns without moving them inside the internet web page development. This is in particular useful at Tablet and Phone breakpoints. As an example, you’ll keep a text Column first on Desktop alternatively switch an image Column above it on Phone by the use of giving the image Column a lower Display Order value, similar to -1.
Use Display Order selectively. Since visual order can vary from provide order, check out keyboard focus and learning float when reordering necessary interactive content material subject matter.
Smart Examples
Now that you know the way Column Class works and how it combines with other Flexbox controls, let’s take a look at 5 layouts. Each example demonstrates a definite responsive column development you’ll assemble with Flexbox, without switching to CSS Grid.
Example 1: Similar Multi-Column Grid

Construction: This Section makes use of 2 Rows: one wider intro Row with a Column set to Column Class > 2/3, and a few different Row with twelve an identical items set to Column Class > 1/6. The object Row creates a responsive grid-like construction that can shift from six Columns on Desktop to fewer Columns in keeping with line on smaller shows.
Demonstrates: Similar Column Class values, Construction Wrapping, and Hollow for consistent gutters.
Example 2: Content material subject matter + Stats + Quote Bar

Construction: This construction pairs a visual card on the left with body text and three key stats on the suitable, using a Nested Row for the stats. A full-width quote bar sits underneath.
Demonstrates: Combined Column Classes, Nested Rows, no longer mandatory Display Order, and multi-level Hollow keep an eye on.
Example 3: Asymmetric Card Construction

Construction: This Section makes use of five Columns. The principle and final Columns are set to Fullwidth, while the second, 0.33, and fourth Columns use Column Class > 1/3.
Demonstrates: Fullwidth and fractional Column Class mixtures, Construction Wrapping, Horizontal Hollow, and Vertical Hollow.
Example 4: Antique 3&instances;2 Function Grid

Construction: Six an identical feature enjoying playing cards sit within of 1 Flex Row and wrap into a couple of lines.
Demonstrates: Simple responsive Columns using Column Class, Hollow, and Align Items.
Example 5: Get a divorce Content material subject matter + Data Card

Construction: Large text and buttons sit inside the top area, while a dismal wisdom panel or table-style card sits beneath.
Demonstrates: Asymmetric Column Class mixtures, Fullwidth rows within a wrapping Flex development, and Justify Content material subject matter > Space Between for distribution.
Step-By means of-Step Assemble: Rising A Flexible One-Row Construction
This example shows assemble a multi-column construction using one Flex Row, a variety of Columns, Column Class values, Hollow, and targeted alignment settings. On Desktop, the Columns create a balanced multi-line composition. On Tablet and Phone, the an identical development reflows with responsive Column Class changes and a Building Template.

Configure The Row Building
Get began by the use of opening a internet web page inside the Visual Builder or together with a brand spanking new Section to an present internet web page. Add a single-column Row to the Section.

Throughout the Row settings, transfer to the Design tab. Lengthen the Construction selection group and observe a 25px Horizontal Hollow and 25px Vertical Hollow. Then permit Construction Wrapping > Wrap.

Configure The First Column
Open the Column settings, transfer to the Design tab, and enlarge the Sizing selection group. Set Column Class to 2/3.
Next, enlarge the Construction selection group inside the Design tab. Set the Vertical Hollow to 15px. Keep the remaining Flex settings at their defaults except for your design needs additional adjustments.

Throughout the first Column, add two Text modules. Add your content material subject matter and magnificence it as sought after.

Add A 2d Column
Now add any other Column to the Row. Throughout the Row’s Content material subject matter tab, click on on + Add Element inside the Elements selection group.

Open the new Column’s Design tab, enlarge the Construction selection group, and add a 15px Vertical Hollow.

Next, enlarge the Sizing selection group and assign Column Class > 1/2.

Add an Image, a Heading, and a Text module to the Column, then style them as sought after.

Throughout the Column’s Design tab, add a border, border radius, and spacing.

Add A third Column
Add any other Column to the Row and assign Column Class > 1/3.

Then right-click the 2d Column’s Border varieties and copy them to the 0.33 Column. Add 25px Padding inside the Spacing selection group to give you the Column breathing room.
While inside the Design tab, enlarge the Construction selection group. Set Justify Content material subject matter to Space Between.

Next, add the content material subject matter to the Column. Add a Heading, a Text module, and a Module Group, then style them as sought after.

Throughout the Module Group, add a Divider module and a Text module. Then open the Module Group’s Design tab, enlarge the Construction selection group, and set a 5px Vertical Hollow.

Configure The Fourth Column
In the end, add any other Column to the Row and assign Column Class > 1/6.
Right kind-click the 0.33 Column and make a selection Copy Attributes.

Then right-click the fourth Column, choose Paste, and use Select Design Attributes to stay the border attributes. Repeat the process for the spacing and construction attributes.
Next, add a Module Group to the Column. Place a Heading module and a Text module within it. Open the Module Group’s Design tab, enlarge the Construction selection group, and set the Vertical Hollow to 0px.

Copy the Module Group two instances and substitute the Heading and Text content material subject matter for each Group.
Make Responsive Adjustments
Switch to the Tablet breakpoint. Keep the Hollow and Flex settings the an identical as Desktop for now, alternatively exchange a few Column Class values so the content material subject matter flows additional naturally.
Starting with the first Column, exchange the Column Class from 2/3 to Fullwidth.
Go away the second Column as is, alternatively exchange the 0.33 Column’s Column Class to 1/2.
Change the fourth Column’s Column Class to Fullwidth and change its Construction Trail to Row. This places the Module Groups aspect by the use of aspect inside the fourth Column as an alternative of stacking them vertically.
Now switch to the Phone breakpoint. Instead of improving every Column Class manually, observe a Building Template to resize the Columns for smaller shows. Throughout the Row’s Content material subject matter tab, enlarge the Elements selection group and click on on Observe Building Template.

Select the Single Row template to apply it to all Columns inside the Row.

Now, as you cycle via breakpoints, the an identical Flex phase adapts to Desktop, Tablet, and Phone without rebuilding the construction from scratch.
Tips And Easiest Practices
Listed here are a few good guidelines to help you get one of the vital out of Column Class and Flexbox in Divi 5:
- Select Column Class mixtures carefully: Get began with the simplest fractions that prevail for your design, similar to 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, and 2/3. Complicated mixtures may just make responsive adjustments harder to track later.
- Use Construction Wrapping when one Row should develop into multi-line: If the construction contains similar items, similar to enjoying playing cards or stats, one wrapping Row can be more uncomplicated to keep an eye on. If the content material subject matter types are very different, a couple of Rows may however be cleaner.
- Organize spacing with Hollow at the suitable level: Use Row-level Horizontal Hollow and Vertical Hollow for spacing between Columns and wrapped lines. Use Column-level or Module Group-level Hollow for spacing between modules within each Column.
- Take a look at with precise content material subject matter: Placeholder text can cover wrapping and alignment issues. Use sensible headings, paragraphs, button labels, and image dimensions forward of finalizing the responsive development.
- Use Broaden To Fill absolute best when it solves a clear alignment drawback: Broaden To Fill can help equalize within spacing in card-style layouts, in particular when combined with Justify Content material subject matter > Space Between, nonetheless it’s going to need to now not change a clean development.
- Avoid overcomplication: Column Class, Hollow, and Construction Wrapping are enough for quite a few responsive column layouts. Add Justify Content material subject matter, Align Items, Display Order, or Broaden/Shrink absolute best once they treatment a selected issue.
Download The Data
To help you uncover responsive Columns in Divi 5, we’ve created a zip file with the layouts used in this post. To use them, transfer to Divi > Divi Library inside the WordPress dashboard and click on at the Import & Export button.

The zip file accommodates seven data: one Flexbox Columns – ALL.json file, individual JSON data for examples 1-5, and one JSON file for the step-by-step example.

To import the tips, make a selection the Import tab, choose a file, and click on on Import Divi Builder Layouts.

Next, open a brand spanking new or present internet web page inside the Visual Builder. Click on at the blue + icon so that you can upload a brand spanking new Section.

Click on at the Add From Library tab and make a selection a construction to load it onto the Canvas.

Assemble Responsive Columns In Divi 5
With Column Class and the Flexbox controls in Divi 5, you’ll create flexible multi-column layouts that adapt right through breakpoints without reaching for CSS Grid in loads of not unusual scenarios. You’ve now spotted define Column widths, combine them with Construction Wrapping, Hollow, Justify Content material subject matter, Align Items, and Display Order, and keep an eye on the an identical construction development right through Desktop, Tablet, and Phone.
Throughout the final installment of the collection, Section 10 Of Mastering Flexbox: Easiest Practices And Helpful Tips, we’ll put across the entire thing in conjunction with good ideas, not unusual pitfalls to avoid, and workflow tips for construction cleaner Flexbox layouts in Divi 5.
Download the example layouts from this post, experiment with different Column Class mixtures, and get began applying the ones patterns to your private tasks. Once you know the way Column Class, Hollow, and Construction Wrapping art work together, responsive Columns develop into much more simple to build and deal with.
The post Phase 9 Of Mastering Flexbox: Growing Responsive Columns With out CSS Grid gave the impression first on Chic Issues Weblog.


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