CSS Studio

Interactive Learning

On this tool

position: absolute removes the element from flow. The parent collapses unless something else gives it height. absolute looks for the nearest positioned ancestor, not always the parent you are staring at.

Position & Display

absolute and fixed are positioned against an ancestor. relative stays in flow and just shifts. sticky toggles between the two while scrolling.

What people get wrong

position: absolute removes the element from flow. The parent collapses unless something else gives it height. absolute looks for the nearest positioned ancestor, not always the parent you are staring at.

What is the difference between absolute and fixed?
absolute is positioned against the nearest ancestor with a position other than static. fixed is positioned against the viewport and stays put while the page scrolls.

Position Mode

20px
20px
Static is the default. Top/Left have no effect.
Generated CSS
From the controls
Loading...
Scrollable Viewport (Parent)
Relative Parent

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Following is the target box.

I am static

(More content below to allow scrolling...)

Scroll down to test "Fixed" or "Sticky".

Notice how "Absolute" stays inside this dashed box (if parent is relative), while "Fixed" ignores the box and aligns to the window.