The inset-inline-start property is a part of the CSS box alignment module. It is used to set the position of an element's inline-start edge (left edge for left-to-right languages and right edge for right-to-left languages) relative to its containing block. This property is particularly useful for creating responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.
The inset-inline-start property can be used with any element that has a position value of absolute, fixed, or sticky. It is also supported by all modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Here are some examples of how to use the inset-inline-start property:
In this example, we will use the inset-inline-start property to position an image in the top-left corner of its containing block:
img {
position: absolute;
inset-inline-start: 0;
inset-block-start: 0;
}
In this code, we have set the inset-inline-start property to 0, which positions the image's left edge at the left edge of its containing block. We have also set the inset-block-start property to 0, which positions the image's top edge at the top edge of its containing block.
In this example, we will use the inset-inline-start property to position a navigation menu on the right side of the screen:
nav {
position: fixed;
inset-block-start: 0;
inset-inline-end: 0;
}
In this code, we have set the inset-block-start property to 0, which positions the navigation menu at the top of the screen. We have also set the inset-inline-end property to 0, which positions the navigation menu's right edge at the right edge of the screen.
In this example, we will use the inset-inline-start property to create a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes:
div {
position: absolute;
inset-block-start: 50%;
inset-inline-start: 50%;
transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
}
In this code, we have set the inset-block-start property to 50%, which positions the element's top edge at the center of its containing block. We have also set the inset-inline-start property to 50%, which positions the element's left edge at the center of its containing block. Finally, we have used the transform property to translate the element back by 50% of its width and height, which centers the element perfectly.
The inset-inline-start property is a powerful tool for creating responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. By using this property, you can position elements precisely relative to their containing block, regardless of the element's size or the size of its containing block.