CSS Grid System for Forms (Multi-Column)

Question

For future reference here is the final result with pixel perfect precision:

The CSS code:

._25 {
    width: 21%;
    display:          


        

Answer 1

First off, do not use a table. Putting form elements in a table does not solve your problem and complicates your maintenance. Using tables to supplement form presentation is a sign of incompetence and complexity. It is also entirely non-semantic. Instead you might actually have to write some CSS. Honestly, if you are going to use tables for non-tabular data then don't even bother using CSS as that multiplies the complexity of maintenance.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1) Define all your units in "em" units. Most form elements are intended to contain text. Those elements, like text fields and textarea blocks, can be increased and decreased as a feature of accessibility. This means your pixel perfect pretty CSS grid will break the moment a user changes text size on the page.

2) Don't wrap your form element in a div. Like a div, your form is a block level element. Unless the form has peer nodes under a div parent simply direct any presentation directly to the form element and not a parent element that exists only to contain the form.

3) Group your form elements. If you are floating text fields things can get all messed up if the forms are floated independently of their respective label elements. It will be easier to put an ordered list inside your form and then wrap each form element in a list item. This way you only have to worry about defining layout of the label element relative to its form control and then layout of them together by defining presentation of the list item. This method is also semantic and informs text readers of an order upon your form controls.

4) Don't use the !important declaration. This makes for a quick fix in your CSS but completely screws up inheritance and absolutely complicates maintenance. Instead take the extra time to write your code correctly the first time, so that future maintenance is a quick and minor event.

5) Don't use position absolute, unless you really know what you are doing, even if your form is set to position relative. Position absolute results in unexpected behaviors in many cases and unexpected problems.

6) To ensure your CSS code actually defines a true grid use the Firefox MeasureIt plug in. It will help you achieve stunning accuracy and save you incredible time when making your grid.

7) Do everything correctly the first time using as little code as necessary to get the job complete and present your form perfectly. Only then test your form for cross browser accuracy. Make one correction for cross browser accuracy at a time to limit unnecessary bloating to your CSS code.