> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/using-elements/components/layout-components/flex.md).

# Flex

The Flex component is a one-dimensional layout tool based on CSS Flexbox. It arranges child components in a row or column and gives you responsive control over direction, wrapping, spacing, and alignment.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/zS3g9dL31Ac>" %}

### How to Use Flex

You’ll find Flex under **Layout** in the Components list.

1. Drag **Flex** onto the page.
2. Add components to its drop zone.
3. Choose a row or column direction.
4. Set wrapping, gaps, alignment, and justification.
5. Adjust settings at each breakpoint as required.

### Component Settings

#### Tags

Add tags when this Flex should be controlled by a [Filter](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/data-and-organisation/filter.md) or [Filter Tags](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/data-and-organisation/filter-tags.md) component. Each collection item contains one tag title.

#### Filter

Enable filtering to make the Flex a filterable item. Use its parent as the group or provide a custom Group ID, then choose the Dim, Zoom Out, or Slide transition.

#### Flexbox Settings

**Direction** controls the main axis. Choose Row, Row Reverse, Column, or Column Reverse.

**Wrap Items**

* **No Wrap** — Keeps all children on one line. This is the default.
* **Wrap** — Moves items onto additional lines when space runs out.
* **Wrap Reverse** — Wraps additional lines in the opposite cross-axis direction.

**Gap**

Horizontal and Vertical gaps independently control spacing between items. Both default to theme spacing 2.

**Align**

* **Align Content** positions multiple wrapped lines on the cross axis.
* **Align Items** positions children within the current line.

**Justify**

* **Justify Content** distributes items along the main axis.
* **Justify Items** controls item justification where supported.

#### Link

The Link group can make the whole Flex clickable. Avoid wrapping multiple interactive child controls inside one link.

### Tips and Best Practices

* **Use Row for horizontal groups:** It is ideal for buttons, badges, and navigation items.
* **Use Column for stacks:** It gives vertical layouts consistent gap control.
* **Reset child auto margins:** Auto margins on Buttons can override the Flex Gap and Justify settings.

### Related Components

* [Grid](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/layout-components/grid.md) — Creates two-dimensional row-and-column layouts.
* [Container](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/layout-components/container.md) — Groups content and can act as a Flex item.

| Common Control                                                                                                     | Description                                                             |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Link](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/link.md)                                           | Link to a page, resource, anchor, email address, or website.            |
| [Layout](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/layout.md)                                       | Control positioning, stacking, visibility, overflow, and isolation.     |
| [Sizing](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/sizing.md)                                       | Set width, height, and responsive size constraints.                     |
| [Spacing](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/spacing.md)                                     | Add responsive margin and padding.                                      |
| [Typography & Text Styles](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/typography-and-text-styles.md) | Control fonts, text spacing, decoration, colour, and semantic wrappers. |
| [Backgrounds](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/backgrounds.md)                             | Apply colour, image, gradient, SVG, video, and hover backgrounds.       |
| [Transitions](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/transitions.md)                             | Choose what animates and set its timing curve, duration, and delay.     |
| [Effects](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/effects.md)                                     | Apply shadows, opacity, and hover effects.                              |
| [Filters](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/filters.md)                                     | Apply blur, brightness, saturation, shadow, and backdrop effects.       |
| [Transforms](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/transforms.md)                               | Scale, rotate, move, and skew components.                               |
| [Borders](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/borders.md)                                     | Set border style, colour, opacity, width, radius, and hover states.     |
| [Advanced](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/advanced.md)                                   | Add CSS classes and IDs, or change supported HTML tags.                 |


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