CSS Grid Generator

What is a CSS Grid Generator?

CSS Grid is the layout system for two-dimensional designs — arranging content into rows and columns simultaneously. It is the most powerful layout tool in CSS, but its syntax for defining tracks can be unfamiliar. A grid generator lets you set up a grid visually and copy the correct CSS.

Our CSS Grid Generator lets you choose how many columns and rows you want and the gap between cells, rendering a live preview so you can see the structure instantly, then copy the grid-template declarations.

How to Build a Grid

• Set the number of columns with the slider
• Set the number of rows
• Adjust the gap between grid cells
• Watch the live preview build the grid
• Copy the generated CSS using repeat() and 1fr units

Understanding fr Units and repeat()

The fr unit represents a fraction of the available space. grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr) creates three equal columns that share the container width, automatically adapting as it resizes. This is far more flexible than fixed pixel widths.

The repeat() function is shorthand for declaring many identical tracks, so repeat(4, 1fr) is the same as writing 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr. Together they make responsive, evenly distributed grids trivial to define.

Grid vs Flexbox

Use CSS Grid for two-dimensional layouts where you control both rows and columns — page layouts, image galleries, dashboards, and card grids. Use Flexbox for one-dimensional arrangements like toolbars and button groups. The two often work together, with Grid handling the overall page structure and Flexbox aligning content within cells. This tool generates clean Grid CSS in your browser.

Key Features at a Glance

• Set the number of columns and rows with sliders
• Adjust the gap between cells
• Live preview builds the grid as you change values
• Output uses repeat() and 1fr for responsive tracks
• Copies clean grid-template CSS
• Runs in your browser — free, private, and offline-capable

Tracks, the fr Unit, and repeat()

A grid is defined by its tracks — the columns and rows that cells sit within. You declare them with grid-template-columns and grid-template-rows. The most flexible way to size a track is the fr unit, which represents a fraction of the available space. Three columns of 1fr each share the container equally and resize automatically as the container changes, which is far more adaptable than fixed pixel widths that can overflow on small screens.

The repeat() function keeps these declarations concise. Writing repeat(4, 1fr) is identical to 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr but much easier to read and change. Combined with fr units, repeat() makes evenly distributed, responsive grids almost trivial to define. More advanced patterns layer in minmax() and auto-fit to create grids that automatically adjust their column count, but the fr-and-repeat foundation this tool generates is the starting point for nearly all of them.

Tips for Building Grids

• Use 1fr columns so the grid adapts to any container width
• Set gap once on the container instead of margins on each item
• Reach for Grid when you need to control rows and columns together
• Combine repeat() with minmax() later for auto-responsive columns
• Use Grid for the page skeleton and Flexbox to align cell contents

Why Choose Our CSS Grid Generator?

Our grid generator is free with no signup, no limits, and no subscription. It runs entirely in your browser, so the preview and CSS update instantly, work offline, and stay private — nothing is uploaded.

It is one of more than 200 free tools on ToopTools, and you can pin it to your My Workspace, a personalized workspace where you keep the tools you use most in a single dashboard. Beside the Flexbox generator, it lets you plan two-dimensional layouts and copy clean CSS while you learn how grids behave, without leaving your workspace.

Common Use Cases

CSS Grid is the natural choice for overall page layouts, image galleries, dashboards, pricing tables, and card grids — anywhere content needs to align across both rows and columns. Defining the structure once with grid-template makes these layouts easier to reason about and adjust than older float-based techniques.

Developers also use this generator to learn the syntax quickly. Watching the grid rebuild as you change column and row counts makes the relationship between tracks, gaps, and fr units concrete. The copied CSS becomes a clean foundation that you can extend with named areas, spanning, and responsive column counts as your layout grows.

Is the CSS Grid Generator free?

Yes. It is completely free with no account, no sign-up, and no usage limits. Build and copy as many grid layouts as you like at no cost.

What does the fr unit mean?

fr stands for fraction of the available space. A track sized 1fr takes one share of what is left after fixed sizes and gaps; three 1fr columns split the space into three equal parts that resize automatically with the container.

What does repeat() do?

repeat() is shorthand for declaring many identical tracks. repeat(4, 1fr) creates four equal columns, exactly like writing 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr, but it is shorter and easier to change when you need a different number of columns.

When should I use Grid instead of Flexbox?

Use Grid for two-dimensional layouts where you control rows and columns together, such as page layouts and galleries. Use Flexbox for one-dimensional rows or columns like toolbars. They work well together, with Grid for structure and Flexbox inside cells.

How do I make a responsive grid?

Use fr units so columns share space and resize with the container, and adjust the column count at breakpoints with media queries. More advanced grids combine repeat() with auto-fit and minmax() to change column counts automatically as the width changes.

Is my layout kept private?

Yes. The grid and its CSS are generated entirely in your browser, so nothing is uploaded. The tool is private and works without an internet connection.

How do I create a CSS grid layout?

Set the number of columns and rows and adjust their sizes, and the live preview shows the grid take shape. When it matches what you need, copy the generated grid-template CSS and apply it to your container element.

Does the CSS grid generator work offline?

Yes. The grid and its CSS are generated entirely in your browser, so once the page has loaded the tool works without an internet connection, and nothing you build is uploaded. You can design grid layouts privately on your own device.