How can I build a real masonry layout (Pinterest layout) using Webflow and pure CSS without falling for the ineffective CSS columns hacks?

A real masonry layout in Webflow using pure CSS (without CSS columns hacks) relies on CSS Grid with the grid-auto-flow: dense; property. Here’s how to achieve it effectively:

1. Set Up the Parent Grid

• Select the container where your masonry items will be placed.
• Set Display: Grid and define the grid:
• grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(250px, 1fr));
• grid-auto-rows: 10px;
• grid-auto-flow: dense; (ensures better filling of available gaps)

2. Configure Masonry Items

• Each item should occupy multiple grid rows based on its height.

• Apply custom CSS to control row span dynamically:

• In Webflow, add a custom class to your grid items (e.g., masonry-item).

• Inside Webflow’s Custom Code (Before ), add:

  ```css
  .masonry-item {
  grid-column: span 1;
  grid-row-end: span auto;
  }
  /_ Example for taller items _/
  .masonry-item.tall {
  grid-row-end: span 4;
  }
  .masonry-item.short {
  grid-row-end: span 2;
  }
  ```

3. Control Dynamic Height

• Webflow does not handle grid-row-end: span auto; dynamically.

• If your items have unknown heights, use JavaScript to calculate and apply spans dynamically:

  ```html

  ```

4. Apply Responsive Adjustments

• Ensure your grid adjusts on different breakpoints by modifying minmax(250px, 1fr) in grid-template-columns.
• Adjust grid-auto-rows: to match your content spacing.

Summary

To create a true masonry layout in Webflow without the column hack:

1. Use CSS Grid with grid-auto-flow: dense;.
2. Control row span via CSS (grid-row-end: span X;).
3. Dynamically adjust heights using JavaScript if content varies.

This method avoids the CSS columns hack and ensures a proper masonry effect, like Pinterest. 🚀