Ensure that a block element positioned relative to its container is the exact same size as the absolute-positioned element within

Currently, I am attempting to stack multiple divs along with their content atop each other while ensuring the containing div (#stack) remains in the normal flow of the document by implementing the following technique:

CSS:

#stack
{
    position:relative;
    display:block;
}
#stack div
{
    position:absolute;
    left:0;
}

HTML:

<div id="stack">
    <div>
        <img src="images/1.jpg">
        <p>
            First Image
        </p>
    </div>
    <div>
        <img src="images/2.jpg">
        <p>
            Second Image
        </p>
    </div>
    <div>
        <img src="images/3.jpg">
        <p>
            Third Image
        </p>
    </div>
    <div>
        <img src="images/4.jpg">
        <p>
            Fourth Image
        </p>
    </div>
</div>

While this setup is functional, I have noticed that the div#stack currently has a width and height of 0. It would be preferable for it to adjust its size dynamically based on the largest child element.

Your assistance in addressing this issue is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer №1

When inner divs are positioned absolutely and taken out of the document flow, it restricts the outer div from stretching to accommodate the largest child element. To remedy this situation, JavaScript can be utilized to dynamically adjust the dimensions. For instance, if you have experience with jQuery, the following code snippet can be employed:

var width = false, height = false;

$('#container div').each(function() {
    width = $(this).width() > width || !width ? $(this).width() : width;
    height = $(this).height() > height || !height ? $(this).height() : height;
});

$('#container').css({
    width: width,
    height: height
});

Answer №2

When the position:absolute is set, the node is removed from the flow, causing the parent to have dimensions of 0x0 without any flowed content.

If your server-side code (e.g., PHP) has knowledge about these images, you could calculate the maximum width and height among them and adjust the parent's height/width accordingly.

Alternatively, as suggested by Tatu, JavaScript can be used to achieve this client-side.

Answer №3

Are you looking to have the width of the container element, #stack, adjust based on its child elements, or are you primarily concerned about its height? I assume it's the latter, considering you've specified display: block.

If so, achieving this with just CSS is possible:

#stack {
    overflow: hidden;
    _zoom: 1;
}       
#stack div {
    float: left;
    margin-right: -100%;
}

The _zoom: 1 hack is included to trigger hasLayout in IE6. You can modify this for your preferred method (e.g., in a separate IE6 stylesheet) or omit it if IE6 support isn't necessary.

In Opera, making the #stack shrink-wrap its children completely (including width) can be achieved by floating the stack (or using display: inline-block) and adding width: 100% to the child divs. Whether this behavior is due to an Opera bug, other browser inconsistencies, or varying interpretations of the spec remains unclear.

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