Layer elements with z-index using CSS

When elements overlap each other on a web page, the z-index-property can be used to specify which element should appear on top. The z-index property is a CSS property that sets the stack order of an element.

Elements with higher z-index values display in front of those with lower z-index values.

Syntax:
The syntax for using the z-index property is as follows:

selector {
  z-index: value;
}

The value can be any integer value, positive or negative. The default value for z-index is 0.

Usage Examples:
Here are some examples of how to use z-index in HTML with CSS:

1. Set an image on top of another element:

HTML:
<pre>
<div class="container">

<img src="image.jpg" alt="Image" />
<div class="content">

<h1>Title</h1>

Content

</div>
</div>

CSS:

.container {
  position: relative;
}
img {
  position: absolute;
  z-index: 1;
}
.content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

2. Set a dropdown menu on top of other content:

HTML:

<nav>
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li><a href="#">Home</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li><a href="#">About</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li class="dropdown"><a href="#">Products</a>
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
 	<li><a href="#">Product 1</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
 	<li><a href="#">Product 2</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul class="dropdown-menu">
 	<li><a href="#">Product 3</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
 	<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
 	<li><a href="#">Contact</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

</nav>

CSS:

.dropdown-menu {
  position: absolute;
  z-index: 1;
}

External Link:
Learn more about z-index property from the Mozilla Developer Network: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/z-index.

  Written by: Steven Iversen     05-06-2023     Written in: CSS tutorials

13 Comments

  • Paige says:

    Wow, I never knew layering elements using z-index existed! I’ve tried it on my website and it really solve some issues for me.

  • Philip says:

    This article on layering elements with z-index using CSS was incredibly helpful! I always struggled with getting the positioning right on my website, but the step-by-step instructions and clear explanations made it so much easier to understand . Thank you!

  • Eli says:

    This tutorial on layering elements with z-index using CSS was incredibly helpful! I’ve always struggled with positioning elements properly on my webpages, but with the step-by-step explanation and examples provided, I finally have a good grasp on the concept . The visuals used to demonstrate the layering effect were particularly useful in understanding how z-index works. Thank you for this informative guide!

  • Mila says:

    I really struggled with overlapping elements in my website! This tutorial on layering elements with z-index in CSS was a game-changer for me 🙌🏼 . Now my layout looks so much cleaner and more professional. Thank you for the helpful tips!

  • Elena says:

    I findd thiss article veryy helpful, I always strugle with z-index in CSS and thiss explained it soo clearlyy! Thanx for sharingg!

  • Alexis says:

    This tutorial was so helpful in understanding how to layer elements with z-index in CSS! I’ve always struggled with this concept but now I feel much more confident . Thank you for breaking it down in a clear and simple way. Can’t wait to start implementing this in my own projects!

  • Emma says:

    This tutorial was really helpfull for me understandig z-index in CSS . I always struggle with layering elements properly but this guide realy clarifed things for me. Thank you!

  • Lydia says:

    This tutorial was super helpful in explaining how to layer elements with z-index using CSS! I was always confused about how to control the stacking order of elements, but now I feel much more confident in my coding skills . Thanks for breaking it down in such a clear and easy-to-understand way!

  • Grayson says:

    I found this tutorial super easy to follow and it really helped me understand how to layer elements with z-index in CSS . Thanks for the clear explanation! 😊

  • Leon says:

    I found this tutorial on layering elements with z-index in CSS super helpful! I was always confused about how to control the stacking order of elements on my website, but now I feel much more confident thanks to this clear explanation . Great job!

  • Aubrey says:

    I found this tutorial really helpful in understanding how to properly layer elements with z-index in CSS . It made a complex topic easy to understand and implement on my own website. Thank you for the clear explanation!

  • Lillian says:

    This tutorial was super helpful! I always struggle with z-index and this really helped me understand how to layer me elements correctly . Thank you!

  • Gianna says:

    Wow, this tutorial was so helpful! I had no idea u could layer elements like this with z-index . Thank you so much for sharing this info!

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