# Layout

The Layout is the content container inside a View. There should be exactly one `layout` per `view`. Its height is calculated automatically based on the device type, orientation, and whether a title bar is present. It can arrange content horizontally (`layout--row`) or vertically (`layout--col`), with alignment and stretch modifiers. For organizing content inside it, use `flex`, `columns`, or `grid`.

Use one `layout` per `view`. Organize content inside it with `flex`, `columns`, or `grid`.

Don't nest `layout` inside `layout`. There should be exactly one `layout` per `view`.

    <div class="layout">
      <div class="flex flex--row">
        <div>Item 1</div>
        <div>Item 2</div>
      </div>
    </div>

    <div class="layout">
      <div class="layout layout--row">
        <div>Item 1</div>
        <div>Item 2</div>
      </div>
    </div>

### What Goes Inside Layout

Layout is the main content wrapper inside a View. It defines the available space. Its direct children are usually Columns, Grid, or Flex.

#### Three ways to lay out content

#### Grid

Use when you need a strict grid: define column count and spans, so items align to a consistent rhythm. Good for Swiss-style layouts where everything lines up to a fixed grid.

Go to[Grid](/framework/docs/3.1/grid)

#### Flex

Use when you want flexible arrangements where items size by content (width/height). You can use Flex alone for simpler layouts, or nest it inside Grid for per-cell flexibility.

Go to[Flex](/framework/docs/3.1/flex)

#### Columns

Use when you have lots of same-type data and want to display as few or as many items as there are, with the Columns system handling the layout. See the Columns page for details.

Go to[Columns](/framework/docs/3.1/columns)

You can use multiple of each: multiple Columns components, multiple Grids, multiple Flex containers. You can mix them. The Layout modifiers (`layout--row`, `layout--col`, alignment, stretch) control how these direct children are arranged within the Layout space.

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#### Nesting

These components can be nested. For example, you might put a Grid inside Layout, give that Grid a column count, and place Flex containers inside each grid cell. Inside each Flex you then place your actual content (items, text, etc.). Layout arranges the top-level Grid(s); the Grid arranges its cells; the Flex arranges items within each cell.

### Base Structure

The Layout system provides two fundamental ways to organize content: horizontal and vertical arrangements.
 These base structures are the building blocks for more complex layouts.

#### Row Layout

The `layout layout--row` classes create a horizontal layout.
 Items are arranged horizontally from left to right, with center alignment as the default positioning.

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

LayoutHorizontal

    <div class="layout layout--row">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

#### Column Layout

The `layout layout--col` classes create a vertical layout.
 Items are arranged vertically from top to bottom, with center alignment as the default positioning.

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

LayoutVertical

    <div class="layout layout--col">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

### Alignment Modifiers

Once you've chosen a base layout structure, you can apply these modifier classes to control how items are aligned
 within their container. The system provides both directional alignment (top/bottom/left/right) and centering options.

#### Horizontal Alignment

Use `layout--left`, `layout--center-x`, or `layout--right` to control horizontal alignment.

Left

LayoutLeft Alignment

    <div class="layout layout--left">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

#### Vertical Alignment

Use `layout--top`, `layout--center-y`, or `layout--bottom` to control vertical alignment.

Top

LayoutTop Alignment

    <div class="layout layout--row layout--top">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

#### Center Alignment

Use `layout--center` to center items both horizontally and vertically,
 or use `layout--center-x` and `layout--center-y` for individual axis control.

Center

LayoutCenter Alignment

    <div class="layout layout--row layout--center">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

    <!-- Or with individual axis control -->
    <div class="layout layout--row layout--center-x layout--center-y">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

### Stretch Modifiers

Stretch modifiers allow you to control how child elements fill the available space within a layout.
 You can apply these modifiers either to the layout container or to individual child elements.

#### Container Stretch

Use `layout--stretch` to make all children stretch in both directions.
 You can also use `layout--stretch-x` and `layout--stretch-y` for individual axis control.
 These modifiers work with both row and column layouts.

#### Row Layout Stretch

Examples of stretch behavior in row layouts. Use `layout--stretch` for both directions, `layout--stretch-x` for horizontal, or `layout--stretch-y` for vertical stretch.

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Row LayoutFull Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--row layout--stretch">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Row LayoutHorizontal Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--row layout--stretch-x">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Row LayoutVertical Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--row layout--stretch-y">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

#### Column Layout Stretch

Examples of stretch behavior in column layouts. The same modifiers work consistently regardless of layout direction.

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Column LayoutFull Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--col layout--stretch">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Column LayoutHorizontal Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--col layout--stretch-x">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Column LayoutVertical Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--col layout--stretch-y">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div>Item 2</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

#### Child Element Stretch

Use `stretch-x` and `stretch-y` classes on individual elements to control their stretch behavior
 within row or column layouts.

Item 1

Item 2 (stretched)

Item 3

LayoutRow + Individual Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--row">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div class="stretch-x">Stretched Item</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

Item 1

Item 2  
(stretched)

Item 3

LayoutColumn + Individual Stretch

    <div class="layout layout--col">
      <div>Item 1</div>
      <div class="stretch-y">Stretched Item</div>
      <div>Item 3</div>
    </div>

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