The float attribute is used in CSS to float elements left or right to surround them, but modern layouts should use Flexbox or Grid; 1. float allows elements to be separated from the standard document stream and arranged left or right; 2. It is often used in scenes such as picture surround, rather than page layout; 3. There are problems such as parent container collapse, which needs to be repaired; 4. Modern development recommends using Flexbox or Grid instead of float for layout.
The float
property in CSS is used to position an element to the left or right side of its container, allowing text and inline elements to wrap around it. The element is removed from the normal document flow, but it still affects the layout of surrounding content.

Originally designed for print-style layouts (like images with text wrapping around them), float
became widely used for creating multi-column page layouts before modern tools like Flexbox and Grid existed.
How float
Works
When you apply float
to an element:

- The element is taken out of the standard document flow.
- It shifts to the left or right as far as possible within its containing element.
- Other content (like text) flows around it on the opposite side.
Common values:
-
float: left;
— element floats to the left -
float: right;
— element floats to the right -
float: none;
— default, no floating (most common now) -
float: inherit;
— inherits the float value from the parent
Example
img { float: right; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; }
This would place an image in the top-right of its container with text wrapping to the left and some spacing.

Important Notes
Even though float
is still valid CSS, it's largely outdated for layout purposes because:
- It can cause layout issues like parent containers collapse.
- It requires clearfix hacks to manage layout flow.
- Modern alternatives like Flexbox and CSS Grid are easier, more predictable, and more powerful.
For example, instead of floating two columns:
/* Old way */ .column-left { float: left; width: 50%; } .column-right { float: right; width: 50%; }
You'd now use Flexbox:
.container { display: flex; } .column { flex: 1; }
When Is float
Still Used?
Mainly for:
- Text wrapping around images or sidebars
- Supporting older browsers (rarely)
- Legacy code maintenance
But for any new layout work, use Flexbox or Grid instead .
Basically, float
was a clever workaround in the past — now it's best reserved for specific content-flow effects, not structure.
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