How Do I Use Z Index in Webflow?

In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the z-index property in Webflow to control the stacking order of elements on a webpage. The z-index property is a powerful tool that allows you to determine which element should appear on top of others when they overlap. By default, elements are stacked in the order they appear in the HTML markup, but with the z-index property, you can change this stacking order.

Understanding the z-index Property

The z-index property is used to specify the stack level of an element. It accepts an integer value, where higher numbers represent elements that are closer to the viewer and should be displayed on top.

Let’s take a look at an example:

<div class="top-container">
    <p class="top-text">This is on top</p>
</div>
<div class="bottom-container">
    <p class="bottom-text">This is at the bottom</p>
</div>

In this example, we have two <div> containers with some text inside. By default, the “top-container” will be positioned above the “bottom-container” because it appears later in the HTML markup.

Using z-index in Webflow

To use the z-index property in Webflow, follow these steps:

Select an element: Choose the element you want to adjust its stacking order.
Navigate to the Style panel: On the right side of your workspace, click on the “Style” tab.
Scroll down to the Position section: Expand the “Position” section if it’s not already open.
Set the z-index value: In the “z-index” input field, enter a positive or negative integer.

By setting a higher z-index value to an element, you can bring it to the front and make it appear on top of other elements. Conversely, a lower z-index value will push an element further back in the stacking order.

Example:

.top-container {
    z-index: 2;
}

.bottom-container {
    z-index: 1;
}

In this example, we set a higher z-index value of 2 for the “top-container” class and a lower z-index value of 1 for the “bottom-container” class. As a result, the “top-container” will appear on top of the “bottom-container”.

Z-Index and Positioning

It’s important to note that in order for the z-index property to work correctly, you need to apply a positioning property to your element. By default, elements have a static position which means they do not respect the z-index property. You can use relative, absolute, fixed, or sticky positioning to enable z-index stacking.

.top-container {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
}

.bottom-container {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
}

In this example, we added a relative positioning property to both containers, allowing the z-index property to take effect.

Conclusion

The z-index property is a valuable tool in Webflow that allows you to control the stacking order of elements. By adjusting the z-index value, you can bring elements forward or push them back in the stacking order.

Remember to apply a positioning property for the z-index to work correctly. Experiment with different values to achieve the desired visual hierarchy of your webpage.

Now that you have learned how to use the z-index property in Webflow, you can create engaging and visually appealing designs by controlling element stacking order. Happy designing!