Understanding the SLDS Grid

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 54 views

Introduction

In Salesforce Lightning, the SLDS grid is a powerful tool for creating responsive and flexible layouts. However, one of the challenges of using the SLDS grid is making sure that the columns are the same height, regardless of the content inside them. In this article, we will explore how to achieve this using the SLDS grid and provide some tips and tricks for working with the SLDS grid.

Understanding the SLDS Grid

Before we dive into the solution, let's take a quick look at how the SLDS grid works. The SLDS grid is based on the Flexbox layout model, which allows you to create flexible and responsive layouts. The SLDS grid uses a combination of CSS classes and HTML elements to create a grid system that is both flexible and customizable.

The Problem with Flexbox

While the Flexbox layout model is a powerful tool for creating flexible layouts, it can sometimes be tricky to work with. In the case of the SLDS grid, the Flexbox display can sometimes make the layout worse, rather than better. This is because the Flexbox display can cause the columns to stretch or shrink unevenly, depending on the content inside them.

Solution 1: Using the `slds-grid` Class

One way to achieve the same height columns in the SLDS grid is to use the slds-grid class. This class is specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns. To use this class, simply add it to the container element of your grid, like this:

<div class="slds-grid">
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 1</div>
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 2</div>
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 3</div>
</div>

Solution 2: Using the `slds-grid--stacked` Class

Another way to achieve the same height columns in the SLDS grid is to use the slds-grid--stacked class. This class is similar to the slds-grid class, but it stacks the columns on top of each other, rather than side by side. To use this class, simply add it to the container element of your grid, like this:

<div class="slds-grid slds-grid--stacked">
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 1</div>
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 2</div>
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 3</div>
</div>

Solution 3: Using the `slds-grid--equal-height` Class

A third way to achieve the same height columns in the SLDS grid is to use the slds-grid--equal-height class. This class is specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns. To use this class, simply add it to the container element of your grid, like this:

<div class="slds-grid slds-grid--equal-height">
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 1</div>
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 2</div>
  <div class="slds-grid__cell--padded">Column 3</div>
</div>

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for working with the SLDS grid:

Use the slds-grid class to create a grid system with equal height columns. This class is specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns.
Use the slds-grid--stacked class to stack the columns on top of each other. This class is similar to the slds-grid class, but it stacks the columns on top of each other, rather than side by side.
Use the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system with equal height columns. This class is specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns.
Use the slds-grid__cell--padded class to add padding to the grid cells. This class adds padding to the grid cells, making them easier to read and use.
Use the slds-grid__cell--stretch class to stretch the grid cells to fill the available space. This class stretches the grid cells to fill the available space, making them easier to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving the same height columns in the SLDS grid can be a challenge, but there are several solutions available. By using the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class, you can create a grid system with equal height columns. Additionally, by using the slds-grid__cell--padded class and the slds-grid__cell--stretch class, you can add padding and stretch the grid cells to fill the available space. With these tips and tricks, you can create a responsive and flexible layout using the SLDS grid.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some common issues and solutions for working with the SLDS grid:

Issue: The columns are not the same height. Solution: Use the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system with equal height columns.
Issue: The columns are not aligned properly. Solution: Use the slds-grid__cell--padded class to add padding to the grid cells, and use the slds-grid__cell--stretch class to stretch the grid cells to fill the available space.
Issue: The grid is not responsive. Solution: Use the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system that is responsive and flexible.

Best Practices

Here are some best practices for working with the SLDS grid:

Use the slds-grid class to create a grid system with equal height columns. This class is specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns.
Use the slds-grid--stacked class to stack the columns on top of each other. This class is similar to the slds-grid class, but it stacks the columns on top of each other, rather than side by side.
Use the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system with equal height columns. This class is specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns.
Use the slds-grid__cell--padded class to add padding to the grid cells. This class adds padding to the grid cells, making them easier to read and use.
Use the slds-grid__cell--stretch class to stretch the grid cells to fill the available space. This class stretches the grid cells to fill the available space, making them easier to use.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the SLDS grid:

Q: What is the SLDS grid?

A: The SLDS grid is a powerful tool for creating responsive and flexible layouts in Salesforce Lightning. It is based on the Flexbox layout model and uses a combination of CSS classes and HTML elements to create a grid system that is both flexible and customizable.

Q: How do I create a grid system with equal height columns using the SLDS grid?

A: To create a grid system with equal height columns using the SLDS grid, you can use the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class. These classes are specifically designed to create a grid system with equal height columns.

Q: How do I add padding to the grid cells using the SLDS grid?

A: To add padding to the grid cells using the SLDS grid, you can use the slds-grid__cell--padded class. This class adds padding to the grid cells, making them easier to read and use.

Q: How do I stretch the grid cells to fill the available space using the SLDS grid?

A: To stretch the grid cells to fill the available space using the SLDS grid, you can use the slds-grid__cell--stretch class. This class stretches the grid cells to fill the available space, making them easier to use.

Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter when using the SLDS grid?

A: Some common issues that you may encounter when using the SLDS grid include:

The columns are not the same height
The columns are not aligned properly
The grid is not responsive

Q: How do I troubleshoot common issues with the SLDS grid?

A: To troubleshoot common issues with the SLDS grid, you can try the following:

Use the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system with equal height columns
Use the slds-grid__cell--padded class to add padding to the grid cells
Use the slds-grid__cell--stretch class to stretch the grid cells to fill the available space
Use the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system that is responsive and flexible

Q: What are some best practices for working with the SLDS grid?

A: Some best practices for working with the SLDS grid include:

Use the slds-grid class to create a grid system with equal height columns
Use the slds-grid--stacked class to stack the columns on top of each other
Use the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system with equal height columns
Use the slds-grid__cell--padded class to add padding to the grid cells
Use the slds-grid__cell--stretch class to stretch the grid cells to fill the available space

Q: How do I get started with the SLDS grid?

A: To get started with the SLDS grid, you can follow these steps:

Create a new Lightning component or edit an existing one
Add the slds-grid class to the container element of your grid
Add the slds-grid__cell--padded class to the grid cells
Add the slds-grid__cell--stretch class to the grid cells
Use the slds-grid class, the slds-grid--stacked class, or the slds-grid--equal-height class to create a grid system with equal height columns

Q: What are some advanced topics related to the SLDS grid?

A: Some advanced topics related to the SLDS grid include:

Using the SLDS grid with other Salesforce Lightning components
Creating custom grid systems using the SLDS grid
Using the SLDS grid with CSS and JavaScript

Q: Where can I find more information about the SLDS grid?

A: You can find more information about the SLDS grid in the Salesforce Lightning documentation and in the Salesforce Trailhead tutorials.