CSS provides different positioning properties to control how elements behave on a webpage. position: fixed and position: sticky are often used to keep elements visible while scrolling, but they function differently.
This article explains their key differences and use cases.
What is position: fixed?
An element with fixed positioning remains in the same place relative to the browser window, regardless of scrolling.
It does not move with the page and stays visible at all times.
Common Use Cases of CSS position: fixed
Here are the common use cases of CSS position: fixed:
- Sticky navigation bars that remain visible at the top of the page.
- Floating buttons, such as chat widgets or back-to-top buttons.
Learn More: Advanced CSS Tutorial
What is position: sticky?
A position: sticky element behaves like a relative element until a certain scroll position is reached. Once that point is met, it sticks in place like a fixed element, but only within its parent container.
Common Use Cases of CSS position: sticky
Here are the common use cases of CSS position: sticky:
- Table headers that remain visible while scrolling through data.
- Sidebar navigation menus that stay within a section of the page.
Must Read: Why CSS Position Sticky is Not Working
Key Differences: fixed vs. sticky
Below are the key differences between position: fixed and position: sticky:
| Property | position: fixed | position: sticky |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Point | Viewport (browser window) | Parent container or scroll position |
| Scrolling Behavior | Always stays in the same place | Moves with the page until a defined threshold is reached |
| Sticky Threshold | Not applicable | Defined by top, bottom, left, or right values |
| Best Use Cases | Navigation bars, floating buttons | Table headers, sticky sidebars |
| Browser Compatibility | Supported in all modern browsers | Not fully supported in older browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer) |
When to use CSS fixed vs. sticky?
Here are the instances of when to use position sticky and position fixed:
- Use fixed when an element should always remain visible, such as headers or floating UI components.
- Use sticky when an element should scroll with the page but become fixed at a certain point, like sticky navigation or section labels.
Ensure Cross-Browser Compatibility with BrowserStack
Since position: sticky has limited support in older browsers, testing across multiple browsers is crucial.
With BrowserStack Live, you can test your website on real browsers and devices on a real device cloud under real user conditions to ensure a seamless user experience.
Conclusion
Both fixed and sticky positions in CSS help elements remain visible while scrolling, but they serve different purposes.
Choosing the right one depends on whether you need an element to always stay in place or only stick at a certain point. Understanding these differences allows for better UI design and improved user experience.
Useful Resources for CSS
Tutorials
- Advanced CSS Tutorial
- Understanding Sibling Selectors in CSS
- Understanding CSS radial-gradient() function
- How to position Text Over an Image using CSS
- How to resize an image using CSS
- How to use CSS rgba() function correctly?
- Handling Images in HTML and CSS: Everything you need to know
- Dynamic Rendering using HTML and CSS
- Why CSS Position Sticky is Not Working
- A complete guide to CSS Media Query
- CSS Subgrid: What is it and Why do you need it
- What are CSS Breakpoints and Media Query Breakpoints
- How to Create Responsive Designs with CSS
- CSS Selectors in Cypress
- CSS Selector in Selenium: Locate Elements with Examples
- CSS Selectors Cheat Sheet (Basic & Advanced)
Differences
- CSS Grid vs Bootstrap: Which one is better for you?
- What is Responsive CSS vs Reactive CSS?
- Xpath Vs CSS Selector: Key Differences
Frameworks
- Top Responsive CSS Frameworks
- Top 7 CSS Frameworks for Developers
- What are CSS Modules and why use them?
Browser Compatibility & Cross-Browser Testing
- Browser compatibility with CSS Gradients
- Browser Compatibility of Cursor Grab & Grabbing in CSS
- How to Create Browser Compatible Smooth Scrolling with CSS and JavaScript
- How to Create Browser Specific CSS Code
- Fixing Browser Compatibility Issues with CSS Opacity & RGBA
- CSS techniques for Improved Cross Browser Compatibility
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