CSS Z-Index Visualizer

Invalid input format. Please use 'div1:10, div2:1000' or valid JSON.

Ever wrestled with the z-index in CSS and thought, "Why is this div hiding behind that one?" Or maybe you've stacked ten layers and now you're completely lost trying to figure out which one sits on top? We’ve ALL been there. And honestly... it’s a pain. That’s why this little tool was made.

Introducing the CSS Z-Index Visualizer — a simple, no-fluff web tool that helps you see exactly how your divs stack up based on their z-index values. No more guessing. No more digging through stylesheets. Just enter your elements with their z-index numbers and boom 💥 — it gives you a colorful, visual layout of how everything stacks up. Sounds cool? It really is.

Think of it like a visual cheat sheet for your layers. It's not just about seeing numbers. It's about understanding how those numbers work in real-time, with real visuals. You can input your data in two easy ways:

  • Simple format: div1:10, div2:100, div3:1
  • JSON format: {"div1": 10, "div2": 100, "div3": 1}

Just paste it in, hit submit, and you’ll instantly see how your elements layer. Each one is displayed as a colored box, stacked based on the z-index value. It’s intuitive. It’s fast. And it’s actually kinda fun to play with.

Why did we make this?

Because debugging z-index is annoying. Developers spend way too much time trying to figure out which div is on top and why. Sometimes it’s not even about the number itself — it's the stacking context, the position property, the parent elements. It gets confusing FAST.

So instead of scratching your head, why not just drop your values into a tool and SEE the result in front of you? Simple concept. BIG relief.

What does it look like?

Imagine a vertical stack of colorful rectangles. Each one labeled with its div name and its z-index. The highest z-index sits on top. The lowest stays at the bottom. The layout updates instantly when you change the input. You can literally watch the layers move around as you tweak the values.

"It's like peeling back the layers of a design onion... without the tears." – Some Dev Probably

Also, each box is colored differently. That way, even if you have twenty divs, you won’t get lost. Every layer feels distinct. And yes, you can hover to see the name and value if you're curious.

How to use it?

  1. Go to https://themespanda.com/css-z-index-visualizer/
  2. Type in your data. You can use div1:100, div2:20 or paste a JSON object.
  3. Click submit or just wait — it may auto-update.
  4. Scroll down and admire your glorious, accurate, real-time z-index stack.

But why do I even care about z-index?

Good question. If you're building websites or web apps, especially with complex UIs — think dropdowns, modals, tooltips, sticky headers — z-index matters a LOT. If you’ve ever had a modal appear under a header or a tooltip that’s cut off, it’s likely a z-index issue.

And when you’re managing 5, 10, or 50+ divs across multiple components, keeping track of who’s sitting where is just HARD. This tool makes it simple.

Some features we love

  • Instant Visualization – See the stack the second you paste in your data
  • Color-coded Layers – Every div gets a unique background
  • Clean, Responsive UI – Works on desktop and mobile
  • Supports JSON or Quick Input – Choose whatever format you're comfy with
  • No Login Needed – Just visit, paste, and go!

Real talk: is this just a toy?

NOPE. It’s fun, sure. But it’s also practical. This tool can save real dev hours, especially when you're deep in layout hell. And even if you’re not a developer — maybe you’re learning HTML/CSS — it’s a perfect way to grasp how z-index stacking works without getting overwhelmed.

Here's a sample:

							div1: 5,
							div2: 10,
							div3: 1

The tool will visualize:

Div Name Z-Index Layer Position
div2 10 Top
div1 5 Middle
div3 1 Bottom

Easy, right? This is why the CSS Z-Index Visualizer exists — to take something abstract and make it crystal CLEAR.

Who’s it for?

  • Frontend devs wrangling complex layouts
  • Designers curious about how elements stack
  • Beginner coders learning z-index
  • Anyone debugging a mysterious “hidden” element

Future ideas?

We’re thinking about adding:

  • Exportable screenshots
  • Live embedding into codepen or jsfiddle
  • Dark mode (because why not?)
  • Optional stacking context warnings

Still wondering something?

Q: Does it handle negative z-index?
A: Yes. The tool supports positive AND negative values. If a div has z-index -10, it’ll show below all the others, just like in your browser.

Q: Can I compare 100+ divs?
A: Technically yes, but visually it gets crowded. Keep it under 50 if you want to actually read it.

Q: Will this tell me why z-index isn't working?
A: Not exactly. It won’t analyze stacking context or position rules. But it does help you test out values quickly and see results instantly.

One last thing...

Sometimes, the SMALLEST things make the biggest difference. This tool may look simple, but it can seriously reduce your dev time and make debugging layout issues way less frustrating.

So next time you're scratching your head asking, "Why isn’t this div showing on top?" — just pop over to the CSS Z-Index Visualizer. Try a few values. Watch the layers move. And fix your layout without the stress.

Try it now: https://themespanda.com/css-z-index-visualizer/

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