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Z-index

Z-index utilities change the stacking order of positioned elements: z-n1 sends an element behind its context, z-0 creates a base layer and z-1, z-2 and z-3 bring elements forward. They only apply to elements with a position, so pair them with position-relative or position-absolute.

1Z-index scale

z-n1, z-0, z-1, z-2 and z-3 stack positioned elements from back to front.

z-3
z-2
z-1
z-0
z-n1

2Order without z-index

Without z-index, later elements paint on top of earlier ones.

first
second (on top)

3Bring the first one forward

z-1 on the first element puts it above its later sibling.

first, z-1
second

4Background shape behind content

z-n1 places a decorative shape behind the text of its positioned parent, which uses z-0 to form a stacking context.

Strategy, design and code under one roof

Websites we build are fast, accessible and easy for your team to update.

5Overlapping avatars

Decreasing z-index keeps the first avatar on top of the stack.

Ava Tanaka Elena Quinn Kai Sato Nora Ashford

6Active button above its neighbours

In joined button rows the active one gets z-1 so its border is not hidden.

7Badge over a card image

The badge uses z-2 so it stays above an overlay with z-1.

Lessons from a year of client workshops
tips

8Floating label above a chart

A z-3 label stays above grid lines and bars.

Peak 401

9Sticky header layer

A sticky header with z-2 stays above rows that have their own positioned badges.

Team
Mateo Okafor new
Aria Alvarez
Ethan Duarte
Felix Brennan
Leo Sato

10Cards in a fan

Rotated cards stacked with z-1 to z-3.

z-1
z-2
z-3

11Image behind a heading

The hero image sits on z-n1 inside a z-0 context, the text sits on top.

Stories told in pixels and motion

We listen first, then build a plan around what you actually need.

12Focus ring over siblings

List group items lift their active item with z-1 so its border shows on both edges.

  • Print
  • Motion
  • Motion

13Notification over a header

A count badge on z-3 overlaps the next header item.

56

14Stacked paper effect

Two layers on z-n1 behind a card look like a pile of pages.

Branding
39 documents

15Overlapping sections

A card with z-1 overlaps the coloured band above it via a negative top offset.

Brands that stand out and sell

Every project starts with a workshop, so we understand your audience before we design.

16Corner ribbon above a border

A z-2 ribbon overlaps the card border.

In review
Web design
We measure success in sign-ups, sales and brand recall, not just awards.

17Hover card layer (static preview)

A preview popover on z-3 overlapping a list.

  • Lucas Haddad
  • Amara Ortega
  • Ella Kowalski
We test early with real users, so the final design works on the first day.

18Z-index needs a position

z-* only works on positioned elements: the left box has no position, the right one has position-relative.

z-3, static (ignored)
z-3, position-relative

19Price tag over a product

A z-1 price tag over the product image and a z-2 heart button above it.

Packaging design $59.74

20Dropdown above content

An open menu at z-3 overlaps the panel below it.

  • Newest
  • Price low to high
  • Rating
Every detail is handled by people who care about getting it right. Senior designers lead every project from the first sketch to the final file.