How can REM units improve responsive/fluid layouts on Webflow?

Published on

September 22, 2023

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Using REM (root em) units can greatly improve responsive and fluid layouts on Webflow. REM units are relative to the root HTML element, unlike EM units which are relative to the parent element. This makes REM units more flexible and easier to use in responsive designs. Here's how REM units can enhance your Webflow layouts:

Consistent sizing: One of the main advantages of REM units is that they allow you to maintain consistent sizing across different devices and screens. Since REM units are based on the root HTML element, they are unaffected by changes in parent elements' font sizes. This means that even if a user changes the browser's default font size, your layout's dimensions will remain consistent.
Ease of scaling: REM units make it easier to scale your designs because they adapt to changes in the root font size. By changing the font size of the root element (usually set on the body tag), you can scale the entire layout up or down. This is particularly useful when designing for different screen sizes and ensuring that your layout looks good on both desktop and mobile devices.
Improved accessibility: Webflow offers a built-in accessibility feature that allows users to adjust the font size on their website. By using REM units, you ensure that your layout remains accessible and easy to navigate even if the text is scaled up or down. This is essential for users with visual impairments or those who prefer to view websites with larger fonts.
Easier media queries: When using REM units, writing media queries becomes simpler. Instead of calculating the pixel values based on the viewport width, you can use REM units directly in your media queries. This results in more readable and maintainable code. Additionally, REM units can be used alongside other CSS units like percentages and viewport units, enabling granular control over layout elements.

In summary, REM units provide a flexible and scalable approach to building responsive and fluid layouts in Webflow. By using these units, you can ensure consistent sizing, improve accessibility, and make your designs more adaptable to different devices and screen sizes.

Additional questions:

How do I set the root font size in Webflow?
Can I still use pixel units alongside REM units in Webflow?
Are there any limitations or drawbacks of using REM units in Webflow?

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