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What does the position: sticky property do and when should it be used?

Asked on Sep 17, 2025

Answer

The `position: sticky` property in CSS allows an element to switch between relative and fixed positioning depending on the user's scroll position. It is particularly useful for keeping elements like headers or sidebars visible within their container as you scroll.

Example Concept: The `position: sticky` property makes an element "stick" to a defined position within its parent container as you scroll past it. It combines the behavior of `relative` and `fixed` positioning. When the element's scroll position reaches a specified threshold (using `top`, `right`, `bottom`, or `left`), it becomes fixed in place until the parent container is scrolled past.

Additional Comment:
  • Use `position: sticky` for elements that need to remain visible while scrolling, such as navigation bars or table headers.
  • Ensure the parent container has a defined height, as `sticky` elements depend on the scrollable area of their parent.
  • Be aware of browser support; most modern browsers support `position: sticky`, but always check compatibility.
  • Combine with `top`, `right`, `bottom`, or `left` to define the sticking point.
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