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Adaptive layout

As explained in Web Design Playground, Second Edition

An adaptive layout is a page layout that changes its dimensions, arrangement, or visible elements in response to screen or rendering conditions.

An adaptive layout changes a page’s dimensions, arrangement, or visible elements when screen conditions change. Media queries act like browser questions: if the viewport matches, the browser applies the styles; otherwise, it ignores them. section 14.4 section 14.0

Build an adaptive layout by combining a few practical habits:

  • Start with a mobile-first layout, then use media queries to add features or rearrange content for larger screens. section 14.12
  • Use max-width for screens no wider than a threshold and min-width for screens at least as wide as a threshold. section 14.4
  • Prefer liquid measurements, fluid images, and rem units instead of fixed pixel dimensions for widths, spacing, and type. section 14.12

Stacking a grid on small screens

A three-column grid can become a single-column stack below 450 pixels, while the page title shrinks below 350 pixels. The same page therefore keeps its content usable without forcing horizontal scrolling. section 14.4

How Web Design Playground, Second Edition covers it

How deep it goes
Defines media queries, shows max-width and min-width rules, and demonstrates grid changes while deferring the full range of media features.
Examples
Uses a three-column grid that stacks below 450 pixels and shrinks the title below 350 pixels.
What you can do after
Build adaptive pages with CSS media queries that rearrange grids and adjust typography at chosen viewport widths.
How it connects
Links media queries with responsive web design, mobile-first layouts, liquid layouts, fluid images, CSS Grid, Flexbox, and rem units.

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This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Web Design Playground, Second Edition. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.