Creating 2 Column Layouts while Keeping Column Background Colors full Size


In the two-column layout, the content is organized into two columns of equal width. However, it can be a challenge to ensure that the background color of each column fills the full height of the content, especially when the content in each column is of different lengths.

CSS grid is another option for creating responsive layouts with multiple columns Older layout methods, such as float and table-based layouts, can also be used but are not recommended due to their limitations and lack of flexibility

Algorithm

  • Define a wrapper class with display property set to flex. This will create a flex container for the two columns.

  • Define the left column class with flex−grow property set to 1. This will make the left column to fill the available space in the container. Also, set the background color of the left column.

  • Define the right column class with flex−grow property set to 1. This will make the right column to fill the available space in the container. Also, set the background color of the right column.

  • Add the left column content and the right column content inside the wrapper element.

  • The final result is a two−column layout with equal widths, where the left column is red (#e62626) and the right column is a darker shade of red (#864f4f).

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Two Column Layout</title>
<!------------------------- CSS ---------------------------->
<style>

  /* Define a flex container with the wrapper class */
  .wrapper {
  display: flex;
  }

  /* Define the left column with flex-grow set to 1 to fill the available space, and set the background color */
  .left-column {
  flex: 1;
  background-color: #e62626;
  }

  /* Define the right column with flex-grow set to 1 to fill the available space, and set the background color */
  .right-column {
  flex: 1;
  background-color: #864f4f;
  }

</style>

</head>

<body>
  
  <div class="wrapper">
    <div class="left-column">
      <!-- content for the left column -->
      <h1>Left column</h1>
      <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Cum dolorem ab magni rerum. Molestiae facere libero ut magnam, accusamus id voluptas eligendi officiis a harum eaque, autem obcaecati? Distinctio, recusandae.</p>
    </div>
    <div class="right-column">
      <!-- content for the right column -->
      <h1>Right column</h1>
      <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Recusandae necessitatibus beatae ullam reiciendis aliquid dolorum explicabo quod consectetur deleniti, maxime quo laudantium sed vel iure nemo! In molestiae aliquid quasi?</p>
    </div>
  </div>

</body>
</html>

However, this is not suitable for complex layouts or designs that require precise control over element placement. Limited support for older browsers that do not support CSS3 flexbox. This requires careful consideration of content hierarchy to ensure proper column flow on smaller screens. It can be difficult to make changes to the layout once implemented.

Conclusion

There are a few constraints that you need to consider:

  • CSS constraints: To keep the background color of each column full size, you need to use a clearfix hack or use flexbox or grid layout.

  • Content constraints: The content of each column needs to fit within the column width and height, otherwise, it can disrupt the layout.

  • Responsive design constraints: You need to ensure that the 2−column layout is responsive and works well on different screen sizes.

  • Accessibility constraints: It is important to ensure that the layout is accessible to users with disabilities.

  • Browser compatibility constraints.

Keep in mind to thoroughly test your layout and make any required adjustments until you are satisfied with the outcome.

Updated on: 18-Aug-2023

116 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements