css logical properties

CSS Logical Properties — Build Truly Global Layouts

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Want your layouts to work flawlessly for both left-to-right (LTR) and right-to-left (RTL) languages? CSS logical properties make it easy! Instead of hardcoding directions like left and right, you use logical equivalents that adapt automatically based on the writing mode. This makes your designs global-ready from day one. In this MiniCoursey quick guide, you’ll learn what logical properties are, how they work, and why they’re a must-have for modern, accessible layouts.

What Are Logical Properties?

Logical properties replace physical directions with flow-relative terms. For example, margin-left becomes margin-inline-start. This means your spacing respects text direction automatically.

Common Logical Properties

  • margin-inline-start / margin-inline-end — replaces left/right margin.
  • padding-block-start / padding-block-end — replaces top/bottom padding.
  • inset-inline-start — replaces left in positioning.

Why Use Logical Properties?

  • Build one layout that works in both LTR and RTL contexts.
  • Future-proof your code for vertical writing modes.
  • Improve accessibility and localization with zero extra markup.

.card {
  padding-inline: 1rem;
  margin-block-end: 2rem;
}

In this example, your card automatically adapts padding and margin to the flow direction.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine with writing-mode for vertical layouts and multilingual support.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Don’t mix physical and logical props on the same element — it can cause conflicts.

FAQ

Q: Are logical properties well supported?
A: Yes — all modern browsers handle them, but test carefully for older fallback needs.

Q: Do I need to change my whole CSS?
A: No — start with spacing and layout props, then expand as needed.

Related Link

👉 Check out previous: CSS Clamp() vs Calc() — When to Use Each

Where to Learn More

Explore MDN’s Logical Properties docs to see the full list and examples. Try switching a layout to RTL and watch it adapt!

Conclusion

Congrats — you now know how to use CSS logical properties to build layouts that work for everyone, everywhere.

✨ Bookmark MiniCoursey for more quick & free mini courses!

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