How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (2024)

CSS z-index not working? Here’s what to do

Have you ever been frustrated when your CSS z-index isn’t working the way you expect it to? You might have tried everything, but the elements on your page are still overlapping in the wrong order. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. CSS z-index can be a tricky property to master, but don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of CSS z-index, and we’ll show you how to troubleshoot common problems. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks for using CSS z-index effectively. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about CSS z-index!

ProblemSolutionExample
The z-index property is not workingMake sure that the element with the higher z-index value is on top of the element with the lower z-index value.

This is element 1

This is element 2

The z-index property is not working for elements inside a position: fixed elementAdd the position: relative property to the parent element of the element with the higher z-index value.

This is element 1

This is element 2

The z-index property is not working for elements inside a :before or :after pseudo-elementAdd the position: relative property to the parent element of the element with the higher z-index value.

This is element 1

This is element 2

What is the z-index property?

The z-index property in CSS is used to control the stacking order of elements on a web page. Elements with a higher z-index value will appear in front of elements with a lower z-index value. This can be used to create a variety of effects, such as overlapping elements, creating drop shadows, and making elements appear to float above the page.

The z-index property is a numeric value, and the higher the value, the closer the element will be to the front of the stack. The default z-index value is 0, and elements with a z-index value of 0 will be at the back of the stack.

The z-index property can be used on any element on a web page, including

tags, How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (1) tags, and tags. To set the z-index value of an element, you can use the following syntax:

element {
z-index: ;
}

where is the z-index value for the element.

For example, the following code will set the z-index value of the

element with the id “my-div” to 10:

This is my div element.

Why is the z-index property not working?

There are a few reasons why the z-index property might not be working.

  • The element you are trying to change the z-index of might not have a position property set to “absolute” or “relative”. Elements with a position property of “static” will not be affected by the z-index property.
  • The element you are trying to change the z-index of might be inside of another element with a higher z-index value. Elements with a higher z-index value will always appear in front of elements with a lower z-index value, regardless of the order in which they appear in the HTML document.
  • The element you are trying to change the z-index of might be hidden. Hidden elements will not be affected by the z-index property.

If you are sure that the element you are trying to change the z-index of has a position property set to “absolute” or “relative”, and it is not inside of another element with a higher z-index value, and it is not hidden, then there might be something else wrong with your code.

Here are some things to check:

  • Make sure that you are using the correct syntax for the z-index property.
  • Make sure that you are not using the z-index property on an element that is not supported by the z-index property.
  • Make sure that you are not using the z-index property on an element that is inside of a positioned element.
  • Make sure that you are not using the z-index property on an element that is hidden.

If you are still having trouble, you can try using a CSS debugger to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Here are some resources that you might find helpful:

  • [MDN Web Docs: z-index](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/z-index)
  • [CSS-Tricks: Understanding the z-index Property](https://css-tricks.com/understanding-the-z-index-property/)
  • [CodePen: Z-Index Playground](https://codepen.io/iamshaunsingh/pen/JjXvBZ)

The z-index property is a powerful tool that can be used to control the stacking order of elements on a web page. However, it can be tricky to use, and there are a number of things that can go wrong.

By following the tips in this article, you can avoid some of the most common problems with the z-index property and create the stacking effects you want.

3. How to fix the z-index property not working?

The z-index property is a CSS property that controls the stacking order of elements on a web page. It is a very powerful property, but it can also be a bit tricky to get right. If you are having trouble with the z-index property not working, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the issue.

1. Make sure that the element you are trying to change the z-index of has a z-index value set.

The z-index property is a CSS property, so it must be applied to an element using the `z-index` property. If the element you are trying to change the z-index of does not have a z-index value set, it will not be affected by the z-index property.

To set the z-index of an element, use the following syntax:

element {
z-index: 1;
}

Where `1` is the z-index value. The higher the z-index value, the closer the element will be to the front of the stacking order.

2. Make sure that the z-index value is greater than the z-index values of the elements that are in front of it.

The z-index property works by stacking elements on top of each other, with the element with the highest z-index value being on top. If the z-index value of the element you are trying to change is less than the z-index values of the elements that are in front of it, it will not be visible.

To fix this, simply increase the z-index value of the element until it is greater than the z-index values of the elements that are in front of it.

3. Make sure that you are using the correct syntax for the z-index property.

The z-index property can be used in two ways:

  • As a shorthand property:

element {
z-index: 1;
}

  • As a longhand property:

element {
z-index: 1 !important;
}

The shorthand property is the most common way to use the z-index property. However, if you are having trouble with the z-index property not working, you can try using the longhand property instead.

4. Make sure that you are not using the `position` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of.

The `position` property can affect the stacking order of elements on a web page. If you are using the `position` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of, it will not be affected by the z-index property.

To fix this, simply remove the `position` property from the element.

5. Make sure that you are not using the `display` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of.

The `display` property can also affect the stacking order of elements on a web page. If you are using the `display` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of, it will not be affected by the z-index property.

To fix this, simply remove the `display` property from the element.

6. Make sure that you are not using the `visibility` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of.

The `visibility` property can also affect the stacking order of elements on a web page. If you are using the `visibility` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of, it will not be affected by the z-index property.

To fix this, simply remove the `visibility` property from the element.

7. Make sure that you are not using the `opacity` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of.

The `opacity` property can also affect the stacking order of elements on a web page. If you are using the `opacity` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of, it will not be affected by the z-index property.

To fix this, simply remove the `opacity` property from the element.

8. Make sure that you are not using the `transform` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of.

The `transform` property can also affect the stacking order of elements on a web page. If you are using the `transform` property on the element you are trying to change the z-index of, it will not be affected by the z-

Q: Why isn’t my CSS z-index working?

A: There are a few possible reasons why your CSS z-index might not be working. Here are some of the most common:

  • You may have forgotten to add the `z-index` property to the element you want to appear on top. Make sure to add the `z-index` property to the element you want to appear on top, and set it to a higher value than the elements you want to appear behind it.
  • You may have set the `z-index` property to a negative value. Negative z-indexes are not supported in all browsers, so if you’re using a negative value, it’s possible that your z-index will not work.
  • You may have set the `z-index` property to a value that is too low. The default z-index for elements is 0, so if you set the z-index of an element to a value that is lower than 0, it will be hidden behind all other elements with a z-index of 0 or higher.
  • You may have conflicting z-index values. If two elements have the same z-index value, the element that was added to the document first will appear on top. You can resolve this by giving one of the elements a higher z-index value.
  • You may be using a z-index value that is too high. The maximum z-index value is 2147483647, so if you set the z-index of an element to a value that is higher than this, it will not work.

Q: How do I use CSS z-index to position an element on top of another element?

A: To use CSS z-index to position an element on top of another element, you can follow these steps:

1. Add the `z-index` property to the element you want to appear on top.
2. Set the `z-index` property to a higher value than the element you want to appear behind it.

For example, the following code will position the `

` element with the `id` of `”top-div”` on top of the `

` element with the `id` of `”bottom-div”`:

Top Div

Bottom Div

Q: What are the different types of CSS z-indexes?

A: There are two types of CSS z-indexes:

  • Normal z-indexes: Normal z-indexes are used to position elements relative to each other. The element with the highest z-index will appear on top of all other elements with a lower z-index.
  • Stacking context z-indexes: Stacking context z-indexes are used to position elements within a stacking context. A stacking context is created when an element has a `position` property of `absolute`, `fixed`, or `sticky`. The element with the highest stacking context z-index will appear on top of all other elements within the same stacking context.

Q: What are the limitations of CSS z-index?

A: There are a few limitations to CSS z-index:

  • Z-index only works on elements that are positioned absolutely, fixed, or sticky. Elements that are positioned relative or have a default position will not be affected by the z-index property.
  • Z-index values are not inherited. If you set the z-index of a parent element, it will not affect the z-index of its child elements.
  • The maximum z-index value is 2147483647. If you set the z-index of an element to a value that is higher than this, it will not work.

Q: How can I troubleshoot CSS z-index issues?

A: If you’re having trouble with CSS z-index, here are a few things you can try:

  • Check the syntax of your CSS code. Make sure that you’re using the `z-index` property correctly.
  • Check the order of your elements. The element with the highest z-index should be added to the document last.
  • Try using a different z-index value. Sometimes, a small change in the z-index value can make a big difference.
  • Try using a different stacking context. If

    CSS z-index is a powerful tool that can be used to control the stacking order of elements on a web page. However, it can be tricky to get right, and there are a number of common problems that can occur.

By understanding the basics of z-index and the common problems that can occur, you can avoid these issues and use z-index to create the desired effect on your web pages.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The z-index property controls the stacking order of elements on a web page.
  • The higher the z-index value, the more an element will appear in front of other elements.
  • Elements with the same z-index value will stack in the order in which they appear in the HTML document.
  • You can use the z-index property to create a variety of effects, such as overlapping elements, creating drop shadows, and creating 3D effects.
  • The z-index property can be used on both block-level elements and inline elements.
  • The z-index property can be used on elements that are positioned using the position property.
  • The z-index property can be used on elements that are absolutely positioned, relatively positioned, or statically positioned.

By following these tips, you can use CSS z-index to create the desired effect on your web pages.

Author Profile

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (2)

Marcus Greenwood
Hatch, established in 2011 by Marcus Greenwood, has evolved significantly over the years. Marcus, a seasoned developer, brought a rich background in developing both B2B and consumer software for a diverse range of organizations, including hedge funds and web agencies.

Originally, Hatch was designed to seamlessly merge content management with social networking. We observed that social functionalities were often an afterthought in CMS-driven websites and set out to change that. Hatch was built to be inherently social, ensuring a fully integrated experience for users.

Now, Hatch embarks on a new chapter. While our past was rooted in bridging technical gaps and fostering open-source collaboration, our present and future are focused on unraveling mysteries and answering a myriad of questions. We have expanded our horizons to cover an extensive array of topics and inquiries, delving into the unknown and the unexplored.

Latest entries
  • December 26, 2023Error FixingUser: Anonymous is not authorized to perform: execute-api:invoke on resource: How to fix this error
  • December 26, 2023How To GuidesValid Intents Must Be Provided for the Client: Why It’s Important and How to Do It
  • December 26, 2023Error FixingHow to Fix the The Root Filesystem Requires a Manual fsck Error
  • December 26, 2023TroubleshootingHow to Fix the `sed unterminated s` Command

Similar Posts

Module ‘numpy’ has no attribute ‘ndarray’: How to Fix

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (3)ByMarcus GreenwoodTroubleshooting

Have you ever encountered the error message “module ‘numpy’ has no attribute ‘ndarray’”? If so, you’re not alone. This is a common error that can occur when you’re trying to import the NumPy library into your Python code. In this article, we’ll take a look at what this error means and how you can fix…

PyCharm Untrusted Server Certificate Pop-Up: How to Fix

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (4)ByMarcus GreenwoodTroubleshooting

PyCharm Untrusted Server Certificate Pop-up: What It Is and How to Fix It Have you ever been working on a project in PyCharm when you’re suddenly interrupted by a pop-up window that says “Untrusted Server Certificate”? This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re not sure what it means or how to fix it….

NVIDIA SMI Failed to Initialize: NVML Driver Library Version Mismatch

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (5)ByMarcus GreenwoodTroubleshooting

**Nvidia smi failed to initialize: what it means and how to fix it** If you’re a gamer or a computer enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Nvidia graphics card. Nvidia is one of the leading manufacturers of graphics cards, and their products are used in a wide variety of applications, from gaming to video editing….

Mount.cifs permission denied: How to fix no match for found in /etc/fstab

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (6)ByMarcus GreenwoodTroubleshooting

Have you ever tried to mount a CIFS share on your Linux system, only to be met with the error message “mount.cifs: permission denied, no match for /etc/fstab”? If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, and there are a few different ways to fix it. In this article, I’ll walk you through…

SCP: dest open permission denied: How to fix it

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (7)ByMarcus GreenwoodTroubleshooting

SCP: Dest Open Permission Denied SCP, or secure copy, is a command-line utility used to copy files between hosts. It is a secure protocol that uses SSH for authentication and encryption. However, SCP can sometimes fail with the error “dest open permission denied.” This error can occur for a variety of reasons, including: The destination…

How to Fix Cannot Load EFI Drivers on TestSupport EFI

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (8)ByMarcus GreenwoodTroubleshooting

Can’t Load EFI Drivers? Here’s What to Do If you’re getting an error message that says “Can’t load EFI drivers,” don’t panic. This is a common problem that can be fixed in a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of troubleshooting the issue and getting your system up and…

How to Fix CSS z-index Not Working (with Examples) (2024)

FAQs

Why is the z-index not working in CSS? ›

The problem mainly is when an element has fixed positioning it doesn't get under another element with default positioning with an even higher z-index.

How to overcome z-index in CSS? ›

To sum up, most issues with z-index can be solved by following these two guidelines:
  1. Check that the elements have their position set and z-index numbers in the correct order.
  2. Make sure that you don't have parent elements limiting the z-index level of their children.
Apr 25, 2019

How do you get the Z-index to work? ›

To control an element with the z-index property, the element must have a value for position that is not static (the default). z-index will apply to elements with a position of relative, fixed, absolute, or sticky. To learn more about how the CSS position property works, see our intro guide to CSS position.

Does z-index work with fixed? ›

z-index only works for positioned elements

But z-index will only take affect if the element also has a position value of absolute , relative or fixed .

How to solve z-index problem? ›

To sum up, most issues with z-index can be solved by following these two guidelines:
  1. Check that the elements have their position set and z-index numbers in the correct order.
  2. Make sure that you don't have parent elements limiting the z-index level of their children.
Apr 25, 2019

Why is some of my CSS not working? ›

You could both check the “Sources” tab to verify that the right css file is being loaded, and then check the “Elements” tab - select one of the elements, and then verify what sources it's using to style that element. (You can also look at the response for styles.

Why is Zindex not working? ›

TL;DR: the most common cause for z-index not working is not explicitly declaring a CSS position value (i.e. position: relative, absolute, fixed or stick) on the element. But if this hasn't solved your z-index issue or just want to get a little more information about the CSS property, then let's go a little deeper.

What is the best practice of using Z index in CSS? ›

When no z-index property is specified, elements are rendered on the default rendering layer (Layer 0). If several elements share the same z-index value (i.e., they are placed on the same layer), stacking rules explained in the section Stacking without the z-index property apply.

What is the rule of Z index in CSS? ›

The z-index CSS property sets the z-order of a positioned element and its descendants or flex and grid items. Overlapping elements with a larger z-index cover those with a smaller one.

Does Z-index only work with position? ›

Note: z-index only works on positioned elements (position: absolute, position: relative, position: fixed, or position: sticky) and flex items (elements that are direct children of display: flex elements).

What does Z-Index 9999 do? ›

In CSS code bases, you'll often see z-index values of 999, 9999 or 99999. This is a perhaps lazy way to ensure that the element is always on top. It can lead to problems down the road when multiple elements need to be on top. Most of the time you'll find that a z-index of 1 or 2 will suffice for your needs.

How does z-index auto work? ›

The z-index property can affect the stack order of both block-level and inline elements, and is declared by a positive or negative integer value, or a value of auto . A value of auto gives the element the same stack order as its parent.

Which position does the Z index not work with? ›

Z-Index does not work without a defined position or Position: Static.

What does Z index unset mean? ›

Unset is a global value. It is not just a value for z-index. From MDN: The unset CSS keyword resets a property to its inherited value if it inherits from its parent, and to its initial value if not. In other words, it behaves like the inherit keyword in the first case, and like the initial keyword in the second case.

How do you bring to the front of the Z index? ›

To bring an element to front of another element, you can use the CSS z-index property. The z-index property specifies the stack order of an element. An element with greater z-index value will be displayed in front of an element with a lower z-index value.

When can you use Z index in CSS? ›

Z Index ( z-index ) is a CSS property that defines the order of overlapping HTML elements. Elements with a higher index will be placed on top of elements with a lower index. Note: Z index only works on positioned elements ( position:absolute , position:relative , or position:fixed ).

What is Z index 9999 in CSS? ›

In CSS code bases, you'll often see z-index values of 999, 9999 or 99999. This is a perhaps lazy way to ensure that the element is always on top. It can lead to problems down the road when multiple elements need to be on top. Most of the time you'll find that a z-index of 1 or 2 will suffice for your needs.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 6132

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.