A layout featuring two columns: the right column has a fixed width, while the left column is fluid

Question

A layout featuring two columns: the right column has a fixed width, while the left column is fluid

I am in need of a simple solution: 2 columns with the right column having a fixed size. Despite searching on stackoverflow and Google, I have not been able to find a working answer that fits my specific context. The current approach is as follows:

div.container {
    position: fixed;
    float: left;
    top: 100px;
    width: 100%;
    clear: both;
}

#content {
    margin-right: 265px;
}

#right {
    float: right;
    width: 225px;
    margin-left: -225px;
}

#right, #content {
    height: 1%; /* used for IE compatibility, though doesn't seem to work */
    padding: 20px;
}

<div class="container">
    <div id="content">
        sample content
    </div>
    <div id="right">
        test right
    </div>
</div>

The output obtained from the code above looks like this:

|----------------------- -------|
| sample content   |            |
|-------------------------------|
|                  | test right | 
|----------------------- -------|

Please provide your suggestions. Thank you!

css html

Answer 1

Answer №1

Make sure to clear the float on the left column.

In your HTML code, ensure that the right column is placed before the left one.

If the right column has a float and width specified, while the left column has no width or float, it will be flexible :)

Add an overflow: hidden property and set a height (which can be auto) to the outer div so that it encompasses both inner divs.

Lastly, for the left column, include width: auto and overflow: hidden. This will keep the left column independent from the right column, preventing overlap when resizing the browser window.

See below for an example of HTML implementation:

<div class="container">
    <div class="right">
        Placeholder content with fixed width
    </div>
    <div class="left">
        Flexible content with dynamic width
    </div>
</div>

Apply the following CSS styles:

.container {
   height: auto;
   overflow: hidden;
}

.right {
    width: 180px;
    float: right;
    background: #aafed6;
}

.left {
    float: none; /* Not required, just for clarification */
    background: #e8f6fe;
    /* Properties to maintain independence from other floated element */
    width: auto;
    overflow: hidden;
}

View an example here.

Answer 2

Make sure to clear the float on the left column.

In your HTML code, ensure that the right column is placed before the left one.

If the right column has a float and width specified, while the left column has no width or float, it will be flexible :)

Add an overflow: hidden property and set a height (which can be auto) to the outer div so that it encompasses both inner divs.

Lastly, for the left column, include width: auto and overflow: hidden. This will keep the left column independent from the right column, preventing overlap when resizing the browser window.

See below for an example of HTML implementation:

<div class="container">
    <div class="right">
        Placeholder content with fixed width
    </div>
    <div class="left">
        Flexible content with dynamic width
    </div>
</div>

Apply the following CSS styles:

.container {
   height: auto;
   overflow: hidden;
}

.right {
    width: 180px;
    float: right;
    background: #aafed6;
}

.left {
    float: none; /* Not required, just for clarification */
    background: #e8f6fe;
    /* Properties to maintain independence from other floated element */
    width: auto;
    overflow: hidden;
}

View an example here.

Answer 3

Answer №2

For more information on negative margins, check out this helpful resource: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/negativemargins/ (specifically example 4).

<div id="container">
    <div id="content>
        <h1>content</h1>
        <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend tellus. Suspendisse potenti. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Nulla facilisi. Sed wisi lectus, placerat nec, mollis quis, posuere eget, arcu.</p>
        <p class="last">Donec euismod. Praesent mauris mi, adipiscing non, mollis eget, adipiscing ac, erat. Integer nonummy mauris sit amet metus. In adipiscing, ligula ultrices dictum vehicula, eros turpis lacinia libero, sed aliquet urna diam sed tellus. Etiam semper sapien eget metus.</p>
    </div>
</div>

<div id="sidebar">
    <h1>sidebar</h1>
    <ul>
        <li>link one</li>
        <li>link two</li>
    </ul>
</div>

#container {
    width: 100%;
    background: #f1f2ea url(background.gif) repeat-y right;
    float: left;
    margin-right: -200px;
}
#content {
    background: #f1f2ea;
    margin-right: 200px;
}
#sidebar {
    width: 200px;
    float: right;

Answer 4

For more information on negative margins, check out this helpful resource: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/negativemargins/ (specifically example 4).

<div id="container">
    <div id="content>
        <h1>content</h1>
        <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend tellus. Suspendisse potenti. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Nulla facilisi. Sed wisi lectus, placerat nec, mollis quis, posuere eget, arcu.</p>
        <p class="last">Donec euismod. Praesent mauris mi, adipiscing non, mollis eget, adipiscing ac, erat. Integer nonummy mauris sit amet metus. In adipiscing, ligula ultrices dictum vehicula, eros turpis lacinia libero, sed aliquet urna diam sed tellus. Etiam semper sapien eget metus.</p>
    </div>
</div>

<div id="sidebar">
    <h1>sidebar</h1>
    <ul>
        <li>link one</li>
        <li>link two</li>
    </ul>
</div>

#container {
    width: 100%;
    background: #f1f2ea url(background.gif) repeat-y right;
    float: left;
    margin-right: -200px;
}
#content {
    background: #f1f2ea;
    margin-right: 200px;
}
#sidebar {
    width: 200px;
    float: right;

Answer 5

Answer №3

It is recommended to avoid placing the right column before the left one, instead use a negative right-margin.

Make sure to be "responsive" by adding an @media setting so that the right column shifts under the left on smaller screens.

<div style="background: #f1f2ea;">
  <div id="container">
    <div id="content">
        <strong>Column 1 - content</strong>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div id="sidebar">
    <strong>Column 2 - sidebar</strong>
  </div>
<div style="clear:both"></div>

<style type="text/css">
#container {
    margin-right: -300px;
    float:left;
    width:100%;
}
#content {
    margin-right: 320px; /* 20px added for center margin */
}
#sidebar {
    width:300px;
    float:left
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
    #container {
        margin-right:0px;
        margin-bottom:20px;
    }
    #content {
        margin-right:0px;
        width:100%;
    }
    #sidebar {
        clear:left;
    }
}
</style>

Answer 6

It is recommended to avoid placing the right column before the left one, instead use a negative right-margin.

Make sure to be "responsive" by adding an @media setting so that the right column shifts under the left on smaller screens.

<div style="background: #f1f2ea;">
  <div id="container">
    <div id="content">
        <strong>Column 1 - content</strong>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div id="sidebar">
    <strong>Column 2 - sidebar</strong>
  </div>
<div style="clear:both"></div>

<style type="text/css">
#container {
    margin-right: -300px;
    float:left;
    width:100%;
}
#content {
    margin-right: 320px; /* 20px added for center margin */
}
#sidebar {
    width:300px;
    float:left
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
    #container {
        margin-right:0px;
        margin-bottom:20px;
    }
    #content {
        margin-right:0px;
        width:100%;
    }
    #sidebar {
        clear:left;
    }
}
</style>

Answer 7

Answer №4

The most straightforward and versatile solution is to utilize the table display:

In HTML, it is recommended that the left div is placed before the right div since we typically read and write from left to right making it more intuitive.

<div class="container">
    <div class="left">
        content with flexible width on the left
    </div>
    <div class="right">
        content with fixed width on the right
    </div>
</div>

CSS:

.container {
  display: table;
  width: 100%;
}

.left {
  display: table-cell;
  width: (specify desired width here: 100%, 150px, auto)
}

.right {
  display: table-cell;
  width: (specify desired width here: 100%, 150px, auto)
}

Examples:

// One div has a fixed width of 150px; the other takes up the remaining width
.left {width: 150px} .right {width: 100%}

// One div adjusts its width based on inner contents; the other takes up the remaining width
.left {width: 100%} .right {width: auto}

Answer 8

The most straightforward and versatile solution is to utilize the table display:

In HTML, it is recommended that the left div is placed before the right div since we typically read and write from left to right making it more intuitive.

<div class="container">
    <div class="left">
        content with flexible width on the left
    </div>
    <div class="right">
        content with fixed width on the right
    </div>
</div>

CSS:

.container {
  display: table;
  width: 100%;
}

.left {
  display: table-cell;
  width: (specify desired width here: 100%, 150px, auto)
}

.right {
  display: table-cell;
  width: (specify desired width here: 100%, 150px, auto)
}

Examples:

// One div has a fixed width of 150px; the other takes up the remaining width
.left {width: 150px} .right {width: 100%}

// One div adjusts its width based on inner contents; the other takes up the remaining width
.left {width: 100%} .right {width: auto}

Answer 9

Answer №5

Here's a unique suggestion that hasn't been mentioned yet: implement CSS3's calc() to combine % and px units. The calc() feature is widely supported now and allows for the quick creation of intricate layouts.

Check out this JSFiddle link for the code provided below.

HTML:

<div class="sidebar">
  sidebar fixed width
</div>
<div class="content">
  content flexible width
</div>

CSS:

.sidebar {
    width: 180px;
    float: right;
    background: green;
}

.content {
    width: calc(100% - 180px);
    background: orange;
}

And here's another example in this JSFiddle showcasing this concept applied to a more complex layout. I utilized SCSS for its variables that provide flexible and easily understandable code, but you can recreate the layout using pure CSS if hardcoded values are not a concern.

Answer 10

Here's a unique suggestion that hasn't been mentioned yet: implement CSS3's calc() to combine % and px units. The calc() feature is widely supported now and allows for the quick creation of intricate layouts.

Check out this JSFiddle link for the code provided below.

HTML:

<div class="sidebar">
  sidebar fixed width
</div>
<div class="content">
  content flexible width
</div>

CSS:

.sidebar {
    width: 180px;
    float: right;
    background: green;
}

.content {
    width: calc(100% - 180px);
    background: orange;
}

And here's another example in this JSFiddle showcasing this concept applied to a more complex layout. I utilized SCSS for its variables that provide flexible and easily understandable code, but you can recreate the layout using pure CSS if hardcoded values are not a concern.

Answer 11

Answer №6

This solution provides a generic HTML layout with ordered columns:

The first column is fluid in source order
The second column is fixed in source order
- This column can be floated left or right using CSS

Fixed/Second Column on Right

#container {
  margin-right: 200px;
}
#main-content {
  float: left;
  width: 100%;
  background-color: lightblue;
}
#sidebar {
  float: right;
  width: 200px;
  margin-right: -200px;
  background-color: pink;
}
#clearfix {
  clear: both;
}

<div id="container">
  <div id="main-content">Column 1 (fluid)</div>
  <div id="sidebar">Column 2 (fixed)</div>
  <div id="clearfix"></div>
</div>

Fixed/Second Column on Left

#container {
  margin-left: 200px;
}
#main-content {
  float: right;
  width: 100%;
  background-color: lightblue;
}
#sidebar {
  float: left;
  width: 200px;
  margin-left: -200px;
  background-color: pink;
}
#clearfix {
  clear: both;
}

<div id="container">
  <div id="main-content">Column 1 (fluid)</div>
  <div id="sidebar">Column 2 (fixed)</div>
  <div id="clearfix"></div>
</div>

An alternative approach is to utilize display: table-cell, which ensures equal height columns.

Answer 12

This solution provides a generic HTML layout with ordered columns:

The first column is fluid in source order
The second column is fixed in source order
- This column can be floated left or right using CSS

Fixed/Second Column on Right

#container {
  margin-right: 200px;
}
#main-content {
  float: left;
  width: 100%;
  background-color: lightblue;
}
#sidebar {
  float: right;
  width: 200px;
  margin-right: -200px;
  background-color: pink;
}
#clearfix {
  clear: both;
}

<div id="container">
  <div id="main-content">Column 1 (fluid)</div>
  <div id="sidebar">Column 2 (fixed)</div>
  <div id="clearfix"></div>
</div>

Fixed/Second Column on Left

#container {
  margin-left: 200px;
}
#main-content {
  float: right;
  width: 100%;
  background-color: lightblue;
}
#sidebar {
  float: left;
  width: 200px;
  margin-left: -200px;
  background-color: pink;
}
#clearfix {
  clear: both;
}

<div id="container">
  <div id="main-content">Column 1 (fluid)</div>
  <div id="sidebar">Column 2 (fixed)</div>
  <div id="clearfix"></div>
</div>

An alternative approach is to utilize display: table-cell, which ensures equal height columns.

Answer 13

Answer №7

Hi there! A helpful solution is to set a fixed width for both containers and then incorporate another div class with clear:both, as shown below:

div#left {
  width: 600px;
  float: left;
}

div#right {
  width: 240px;
  float: right;
}

div.clear {
  clear:both;
}

Don't forget to position the clear div beneath the left and right containers.

Answer 14

Hi there! A helpful solution is to set a fixed width for both containers and then incorporate another div class with clear:both, as shown below:

div#left {
  width: 600px;
  float: left;
}

div#right {
  width: 240px;
  float: right;
}

div.clear {
  clear:both;
}

Don't forget to position the clear div beneath the left and right containers.

Answer 15

Answer №8

I have made some simplifications: I revised jackjoe's response, removing unnecessary elements like height and auto.

Updated CSS:

#container {
position: relative;
margin:0 auto;
width: 1000px;
background: #C63;
padding: 10px;
}

#leftCol {
background: #e8f6fe;
width: auto;
}

#rightCol {
float:right;
width:30%;
background: #aafed6;
}

.box {
position:relative;
clear:both;
background:#F39;
 }
</style>

HTML:

<div id="container">

  <div id="rightCol"> 
   <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
 </div>

 <div id="leftCol">

   <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.

</div>

</div>

<div class="box">
  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
</div>

Answer 16

I have made some simplifications: I revised jackjoe's response, removing unnecessary elements like height and auto.

Updated CSS:

#container {
position: relative;
margin:0 auto;
width: 1000px;
background: #C63;
padding: 10px;
}

#leftCol {
background: #e8f6fe;
width: auto;
}

#rightCol {
float:right;
width:30%;
background: #aafed6;
}

.box {
position:relative;
clear:both;
background:#F39;
 }
</style>

HTML:

<div id="container">

  <div id="rightCol"> 
   <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
 </div>

 <div id="leftCol">

   <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.

</div>

</div>

<div class="box">
  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>

  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
  <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,consectetuer adipiscing elit. Phasellus varius eleifend. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.Phasellus varius eleifend.</p>
</div>

A layout featuring two columns: the right column has a fixed width, while the left column is fluid

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

Answer №5

Answer №6

Answer №7

Answer №8

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