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Kushagra Gour
Kushagra Gour

Posted on • Originally published at cssbattle.dev

Learn CSS intuitively - Box Model

Hey there! Welcome to our new series of posts where we try to decipher CSS concepts in an intuitive manner - by relating those concepts to something you already know in the real world so that we can learn CSS like never before! Are you ready for the first concept?? Let's go! 🚀

First up is - The "CSS Box Model". Everything on a webpage is a box for CSS and every box is like a sandwich 🥪! Just like a sandwich has several layers, each with its own purpose, a box in CSS has several layers that make up its overall appearance and behavior.

Let's break down the CSS box model into its layers, starting from the inside out:

  1. Content: The content layer is like the yummy filling in a sandwich. It's the actual content that goes inside the box, such as text, images, or other HTML elements (boxes).
  2. Padding: The padding layer is like the crust of a sandwich. It surrounds the filling and separates it from the wrapping paper of the sandwich. Similarly, padding provides a buffer between the content and the edges of the box. You can add padding to create some breathing space around the content.
  3. Border: The border layer is like the wrapping paper around a sandwich. It adds a visible border around the content and padding layers. You can customize the border's thickness, color, and style.
  4. Margin: Lastly, the margin layer is like the empty space around a sandwich on a plate. It's the space between the box and any surrounding elements. You can add margin to create some distance between the box and other elements on the page...so that your sandwiches don't just touch each other. 😁

A sandwich on plate labelled with different parts of the CSS box model

So, you can see that just like how a sandwich has multiple layers that make up its structure and appearance, the CSS box model has multiple layers that does the same for the box. Understanding the box model is very important in controlling the layout of your web pages, so make sure you practice it well enough. You can hop over to CSSBattle and solve some targets to practice your box model learnings.

How did you like this post? Do you have questions about the CSS box model? What next concept would you want us to give a shot at?

Let us know on our forum or on the Twitter post.

Top comments (2)

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ronni-nichols profile image
Ronni

How to wrap a sandwich in wax paper?
Wrapping a sandwich in wax paper is a straightforward process that helps keep the sandwich fresh and makes it easy to transport.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

  • Wax paper
  • Sandwich

Steps:

Prepare the Wax Paper:

  • Tear off a piece of wax paper large enough to completely wrap around your sandwich with some excess on all sides. Typically, a 12 x 12-inch piece should be sufficient for most sandwiches.

Place the Sandwich:

  • Lay the wax paper flat on a clean surface.
  • Place your sandwich in the center of the wax paper.

Fold the Sides:

  • Take the left and right sides of the wax paper and bring them together over the center of the sandwich.
  • Fold the edges together once or twice to secure the paper around the sandwich.

Fold the Ends:

  • With the sides folded, take the top edge of the wax paper and fold it down over the sandwich.
  • Repeat with the bottom edge, folding it up over the sandwich.

Secure the Wrap:

  • If needed, secure the ends with a piece of tape or a sticker to keep the wax paper in place. However, a good fold should hold without additional tape.

Optional: Labeling

  • If you’re making multiple sandwiches or need to identify the contents later, you can write directly on the wax paper with a marker.

Image description

Tips:

  • Ensure the sandwich is cool before wrapping to prevent condensation inside the wrap.
  • For particularly juicy or moist sandwiches, consider double-wrapping to prevent leaks.

Following these steps, you can easily wrap a sandwich in wax paper, making it convenient for packing lunches or storing them in the fridge.

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ronni-nichols profile image
Ronni

Nice