box-align CSS property
Non-standard: This feature is not standardized. We do not recommend using non-standard features in production, as they have limited browser support, and may change or be removed. However, they can be a suitable alternative in specific cases where no standard option exists.
Deprecated: This feature is no longer recommended. Though some browsers might still support it, it may have already been removed from the relevant web standards, may be in the process of being dropped, or may only be kept for compatibility purposes. Avoid using it, and update existing code if possible; see the compatibility table at the bottom of this page to guide your decision. Be aware that this feature may cease to work at any time.
Warning: This is a property of the original CSS flexible box layout Module draft, and has been replaced by a newer standard.
The box-align CSS property specifies how an element aligns its contents across its layout in a perpendicular direction. The effect of the property is only visible if there is extra space in the box.
See flexbox for information about the current standard.
The direction of layout depends on the element's orientation: horizontal or vertical.
Syntax
/* Keyword values */
box-align: start;
box-align: center;
box-align: end;
box-align: baseline;
box-align: stretch;
/* Global values */
box-lines: inherit;
box-lines: initial;
box-lines: unset;
The box-align property is specified as one of the keyword values listed below.
Values
start-
The box aligns contents at the start, leaving any extra space at the end.
center-
The box aligns contents in the center, dividing any extra space equally between the start and the end.
end-
The box aligns contents at the end, leaving any extra space at the start.
baseline-
The box aligns the baselines of the contents (lining up the text). This only applies if the box's orientation is horizontal.
stretch-
The box stretches the contents so that there is no extra space in the box.
Notes
The edge of the box designated the start for alignment purposes depends on the box's orientation:
- For horizontal elements, the start is the top edge.
- For vertical elements, the start is the left edge.
The edge opposite to the start is designated the end.
If the alignment is set using the element's align attribute, then the style is ignored.
Formal definition
| Initial value | stretch |
|---|---|
| Applies to | elements with a CSS display value of box or inline-box |
| Inherited | no |
| Computed value | as specified |
| Animation type | discrete |
Formal syntax
box-align =
start |
center |
end |
baseline |
stretch
Examples
Setting box alignment
<div class="example">
<p>I will be second from the bottom of div.example, centered horizontally.</p>
<p>I will be on the bottom of div.example, centered horizontally.</p>
</div>
div.example {
display: box; /* As specified */
display: -moz-box; /* Mozilla */
display: -webkit-box; /* WebKit */
/* Make this box taller than the children,
so there is room for the box-pack */
height: 400px;
/* Make this box wider than the children
so there is room for the box-align */
width: 300px;
/* Children should be oriented vertically */
box-orient: vertical; /* As specified */
-moz-box-orient: vertical; /* Mozilla */
-webkit-box-orient: vertical; /* WebKit */
/* Align children to the horizontal center of this box */
box-align: center; /* As specified */
-moz-box-align: center; /* Mozilla */
-webkit-box-align: center; /* WebKit */
/* Pack children to the bottom of this box */
box-pack: end; /* As specified */
-moz-box-pack: end; /* Mozilla */
-webkit-box-pack: end; /* WebKit */
}
div.example > p {
/* Make children narrower than their parent,
so there is room for the box-align */
width: 200px;
}
Specifications
Not part of any standard.
Browser compatibility
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box-align
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Legend
Tip: you can click/tap on a cell for more information.
- Full support
- Full support
- Non-standard. Check cross-browser support before using.
- Deprecated. Not for use in new websites.
- Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.
- Has more compatibility info.