What sets flex-start apart from baseline?

When using the align-* properties in flexbox, what sets flex-start apart from baseline?

In the code snippet below, both align-self: flex-start and align-self: baseline produce the same result.

Can you identify scenarios where align-self: flex-start and align-self: baseline would behave differently?

.flex-container {
  color: white;
  display: -webkit-flex;
  display: flex;
  width: 350px;
  height: 200px;
  background-color: yellow;
}
.flex-item {
  background-color: green;
  width: 50px;
  min-height: 100px;
  margin: 10px;
}
.item1 {
  -webkit-align-self: flex-start;
  align-self: flex-start;
}
.item2 {
  -webkit-align-self: flex-end;
  align-self: flex-end;
}
.item3 {
  -webkit-align-self: center;
  align-self: center;
}
.item4 {
  -webkit-align-self: baseline;
  align-self: baseline;
}
.item5 {
  -webkit-align-self: stretch;
  align-self: stretch;
}
<div class="flex-container">
  <div class="flex-item item1">flex-start</div>
  <div class="flex-item item4">baseline</div>
  <div class="flex-item item2">flex-end</div>
  <div class="flex-item item3">center</div>
  <div class="flex-item item5">stretch</div>
</div>

htmlcssflexbox

Answer №1

View the images below to compare two different codes, where the only variation lies in the align-items rule.

align-items: flex-start

align-items: baseline

When utilizing align-items or align-self, using the value flex-start will align flex items at the starting edge of the cross-axis within the flex container.

The baseline value, on the other hand, aligns flex items along their content's baseline.

baseline

It is the line upon which most letters "sit" and below which descenders extend.

Source: Wikipedia.org

In numerous situations, when font size remains consistent among items (as seen in the question) or the content is identical, then distinguishing between flex-start and baseline becomes challenging.

However, if there are variations in content sizes among flex items, opting for baseline can create a noticeable distinction.

The alignment of baselines hinges on the tallest item present in the row.

According to the specification:

8.3. Cross-axis Alignment: the align-items and align-self properties

baseline

The flex item takes part in baseline alignment, with all participating flex items being aligned so that their baselines match. The item with the biggest distance between its baseline and cross-start margin edge is positioned flush against the cross-start edge of the line.

.flex-container {
  color: white;
  display: flex;
  height: 300px;
  background-color: yellow;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: baseline;
}
.flex-item {
  background-color: green;
  width: 110px;
  min-height: 100px;
  margin: 10px;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  padding: 5px;
  text-align: center;
}
.item1 {  font-size: 2em;  }
.item2 {  font-size: 7em;  }
.item3 {  font-size: .5em; }
.item4 {  font-size: 3em;  }
.item5 {  font-size: 10em; }

/*
.item1 {  align-self: flex-start; }
.item2 {  align-self: flex-end; }
.item3 {  align-self: center; }
.item4 {  align-self: baseline; }
.item5 {  align-self: stretch; }
*/

#dashed-line {
  border: 1px dashed red;
  position: absolute;
  width: 100%;
  top: 170px;
}
<div class="flex-container">
  <div class="flex-item item1">A</div>
  <div class="flex-item item2">B</div>
  <div class="flex-item item3">C</div>
  <div class="flex-item item4">D</div>
  <div class="flex-item item5">E</div>
</div>

<div id="dashed-line"></div>

Check out the jsFiddle version here

Answer №2

Just wanted to quickly clarify something here.

I believe baseline alignment is actually determined by the tallest item in the row.

I have a slightly different perspective on this, with all respect due. It seems like the baseline aligns based on the font size of the tallest item rather than its physical size. In this case, even though the largest text belongs to a smaller element, it dictates the alignment for the rest of the items.

In the scenario you presented, E was both the largest element and had the biggest font size. Understanding this concept can lead to some really crisp designs. Cheers!

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