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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.

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5Overlapping avatars

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

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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.

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8Floating label above a chart

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

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9Sticky header layer

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

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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.

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12Focus ring over siblings

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

  • Payroll
  • Payroll
  • Payroll

13Notification over a header

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

62

14Stacked paper effect

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

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15Overlapping sections

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

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16Corner ribbon above a border

A z-2 ribbon overlaps the card border.

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17Hover card layer (static preview)

A preview popover on z-3 overlapping a list.

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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.

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20Dropdown above content

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

  • Newest
  • Price low to high
  • Rating
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