# Modern CSS Layout Techniques

Modern CSS provides powerful layout tools that make creating responsive designs easier than ever. Let's explore the key techniques every developer should master.

## CSS Grid: The Ultimate Layout Tool

CSS Grid is perfect for two-dimensional layouts where you need control over both rows and columns.

### Basic Grid Setup
``css
.grid-container {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
grid-template-rows: auto 1fr auto;
gap: 1rem;
min-height: 100vh;
}

.header { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
.sidebar { grid-column: 1; }
.main { grid-column: 2 / -1; }
.footer { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
`

### Named Grid Lines
`css
.grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns:
[sidebar-start] 250px
[sidebar-end main-start] 1fr
[main-end];
}

.sidebar {
grid-column: sidebar-start / sidebar-end;
}

.main {
grid-column: main-start / main-end;
}
`

## Flexbox: Perfect for One-Dimensional Layouts

Flexbox excels at distributing space and aligning items in a single direction.

### Common Flexbox Patterns
`css
/* Center everything */
.center {
display: flex;
justify-content: center;
align-items: center;
}

/* Space between items */
.space-between {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
}

/* Equal width columns */
.equal-columns {
display: flex;
gap: 1rem;
}

.equal-columns > * {
flex: 1;
}
`

## Container Queries for Component-Based Design

Container queries allow components to adapt to their container size:

`css
.card-container {
container-type: inline-size;
}

.card {
padding: 1rem;
}

@container (min-width: 400px) {
.card {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: auto 1fr;
gap: 1rem;
}
}
`

## Logical Properties for International Design

Use logical properties for better internationalization:

`css
/* Instead of margin-left */
.element {
margin-inline-start: 1rem;
padding-block: 2rem;
border-inline-end: 1px solid #ccc;
}
`

## Modern Responsive Design

### Intrinsic Web Design
`css
.responsive-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr));
gap: 1rem;
}
`

### Fluid Typography
`css
.fluid-text {
font-size: clamp(1rem, 4vw, 2rem);
}
``

## Conclusion

Modern CSS layout techniques provide powerful tools for creating responsive, maintainable designs. Master these patterns and you'll be able to handle any layout challenge.