This question poses an interesting challenge, but I will do my best to articulate it:
I have a central column of content and I am looking to incorporate columns on the left and right of it that seamlessly "hug" the middle column. How can I consistently center the middle column while ensuring the other two columns maintain close proximity to it?
The fixed width of the columns is set at 750px, such that on a larger monitor with a maximized viewport, the layout should resemble this configuration:
-------------------------------------
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | left | mid | right | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
-------------------------------------
However, when the window is narrower, the left and right columns should be truncated while the middle column remains centered and visible without being squeezed too tightly horizontally:
-------------
| | | |
| | | |
le|ft | mid | ri|ght
| | | |
| | | |
-------------
Note that the portions labeled "le" and "ght" are situated off-screen outside the viewport.
I'm open to any suggestions on achieving this layout. Currently, I am utilizing
margin-left: auto;
margin-right: auto;
to center the middle column. However, if there are alternative approaches to achieve this goal, please share them =)
Thank you for taking the time to read through this intricate query. I hope my explanation was clear enough. (If you think of a more fitting title for this inquiry, feel free to make edits as needed. I struggled to find the perfect title)
P.S. Each column actually consists of multiple div elements (blocks that form a column), but I'm unsure if that detail simplifies or complicates the issue at hand...