CSS Display Property
The CSS display property specifies an element’s display behaviour (the type of rendering box). It defines how an element is rendered in the layout, determining its positioning and interaction within the document’s flow and structure.
Syntax
display: value;
Try CSS Display Property
Display Property Values
Value | Description |
---|---|
inline | Used to display an element as an inline element. |
block | Used to display an element as a block element |
contents | Used to disappear the container. |
flex | Used to display an element as a block-level flex container. |
grid | Display an element as a block-level grid container. |
inline-block | Display an element as an inline-level block container. |
inline-flex | Display an element as an inline-level flex container. |
inline-grid | Display an element as an inline-level grid container. |
inline-table | It is used to display an inline-level table |
list-item | It is used to display all the elements in <li> element. |
run-in | It is used to display an element inline or block level, depending on the context. |
table | It is used to set the behavior as <table> for all elements. |
table-caption | It is used to set the behavior as <caption> for all elements. |
table-column-group | Set the behavior as <column> for all elements. |
table-header-group | Set the behavior as <header> for all elements. |
table-footer-group | Set the behavior as <footer> for all elements. |
table-row-group | It is used to set the behavior as <row> for all elements. |
table-cell | It is used to set the behavior as <td> for all elements. |
table-column | It is used to set the behavior as <col> for all elements. |
table-row | To set the behavior as <tr> for all elements. |
none | Used to remove the element. |
initial | Used to set the default value. |
inherit | Used to inherit property from its parents’ elements. |
Example : This example uses 3 divs to demonstrate the CSS display property.
<style>
#geeks1 {
height: 100px;
width: 200px;
background: teal;
display: block;
}
#geeks2 {
height: 100px;
width: 200px;
background: cyan;
display: block;
}
#geeks3 {
height: 100px;
width: 200px;
background: green;
display: block;
}
.gfg {
margin-left: 20px;
font-size: 42px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #009900;
}
.geeks {
font-size: 25px;
margin-left: 30px;
}
.main {
margin: 50px;
text-align: center;
}
</style>
Understanding the Display Property
The display
property defines how an HTML element should be displayed. It controls the box type generated by an element, affecting its positioning and behavior within the document flow. Let’s dive into the key values:
1. Using Display Block
This is the default property for <div>
elements. It places them vertically, one after another. You can adjust the height and width of a block-level element.
Example: Use the given CSS in above example.
#geeks1 {
background: teal;
display: block;
}
#geeks2 {
background: cyan;
display: block;
}
#geeks3 {
background: green;
display: block;
}
Output:

2. Using Inline Display
Use this property to display an element inline. It doesn’t start a new line and respects the content flow.
Example: Use the given CSS in above example.
#geeks1 {
background: teal;
display: inline;
}
#geeks2 {
background: cyan;
display: inline;
}
#geeks3 {
background: green;
display: inline;
}
Output:
3. Using Display Inline-block
Combining characteristics of both block and inline, this value allows elements to flow inline while still having block-level properties. It’s useful for creating responsive layouts.
Example: Use the given CSS in above example.
#geeks1
{
background: teal;
display: inline-block;
}
#geeks2 {
background: cyan;
display: inline-block;
}
#geeks3 {
background: green;
display: inline-block;
}
Output:
4. Using Display None
This property hides the div or the container which use this property. Using it on one of the div it will make working clear.
Example: Use the given CSS in above example.
#geeks2 {
background: cyan;
display: none;
}
Output: Display none property on block 2
5. Using Display Flex and Display Grid
These values introduce powerful layout options. Flexbox (display: flex) enables flexible, one-dimensional layouts, while CSS Grid (display: grid) provides two-dimensional grid-based layouts.
CSS display Property – FAQs
What does the display property do in CSS?
The display property in CSS determines how an element is displayed on the page, defining whether it behaves as a block, inline, flex, grid, or other types of elements. It’s one of the most fundamental properties in layout design.
What are common values for the display property?
Common values include block, inline, inline-block, flex, grid, and none. Each value defines how an element and its children are rendered and laid out in the document flow.
How does display: none differ from visibility: hidden?
While both hide content, display: none removes the element entirely from the document flow, while visibility: hidden keeps the element in the flow but hides it from view, maintaining its space in the layout.
What is the difference between block and inline elements?
Block elements take up the full width available and start on a new line, while inline elements take up only as much width as needed and don’t break the flow. You can change these behaviors using display: block or display: inline.
Can I change an inline element to behave like a block element?
Yes, by setting display: block on an inline element like a span, it will take up the full width and behave like a block element.