How To Align Text Vertically Next To An Image?

Ethan D. -

Problem: Aligning Text Vertically With Images

Placing text next to an image can cause misalignment, with the text starting at the top of the image. This can make the layout look unbalanced, especially when the image height is different from the text height.

CSS Solutions for Vertical Text Alignment

Using Vertical-Align Property

The vertical-align property can align text vertically next to an image. Apply this property to the image element, not the text. Set vertical-align: middle on the image to achieve the alignment:

<div>
  <img style="vertical-align: middle" src="image.jpg" alt="Image">
  <span>Text aligned with the image</span>
</div>

This method works because the image is an inline element, and vertical-align affects its position relative to other inline elements. Applying vertical-align to the text element often doesn't work as expected, as it only affects the element's position relative to its own line box.

Tip: Use Line-Height for Fine-Tuning

When using vertical-align, you can fine-tune the alignment by adjusting the line-height of the parent container. This can help achieve perfect alignment in some cases:

.container {
  line-height: 1.5;
}

Flexbox Method for Vertical Alignment

Flexbox offers a reliable solution for vertical alignment. To use this method:

  1. Apply display: flex to the parent element to create a flex container.
  2. Use the align-items property to center the contents vertically.

Here's an example:

.container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
}
<div class="container">
  <img src="image.jpg" alt="Image">
  <span>Text aligned with the image</span>
</div>

This approach allows vertical centering of multiple elements within the container, regardless of their sizes. It also gives you more control over the layout and spacing between elements.

Alternative Approaches to Vertical Text Alignment

Grid Layout Technique

CSS Grid Layout offers another way to align text vertically with images. To use this method:

  1. Make a grid container:

    .grid-container {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: auto 1fr;
gap: 10px;
}

  2. Align items in grid cells:

    .grid-container {
align-items: center;
}

This technique allows precise control over the layout and works well for complex arrangements.

Tip: Grid Template Areas for Complex Layouts

Use grid-template-areas to create more complex layouts with named grid areas:

.grid-container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-areas: 
    "image heading"
    "image description";
  gap: 10px;
}
.image { grid-area: image; }
.heading { grid-area: heading; }
.description { grid-area: description; }

This allows for flexible positioning of elements within the grid.

Line-Height Method

The line-height method is a simple approach that can work in some cases:

  1. Set the line-height of the container to match the image height:

    .container {
line-height: 60px; /* Change to match your image height */
}

  2. Apply vertical-align to the image:

    .container img {
vertical-align: middle;
}

Pros of this method:

  • Easy to implement
  • Works well for single-line text

Cons of this approach:

  • Less flexible for multi-line text
  • Needs exact image height
  • May need changes for different screen sizes

While these methods can be useful in specific cases, they may not be as versatile as the flexbox or vertical-align approaches for general use.