Build a custom CSS grid layout visually and get clean, copy-paste CSS and HTML in seconds — no signup, no code editor required.
Whether you need a simple column layout, a fully custom grid with spanning items, or a named-area layout like a classic header/sidebar/footer page, this free CSS grid generator handles all three from one tool.
How It Works
This tool gives you two ways to build a grid, matching how CSS Grid itself works.
Tracks mode lets you set the number of columns and rows, define each track’s size (fr, px, %, auto, or minmax()), and control the gap between items. You can then make individual items span multiple columns or rows — the preview uses the real CSS Grid auto-placement algorithm, so what you see is exactly what ships to your site.
Named Areas mode mirrors the grid-template-areas CSS property directly. Type a name into each cell of the visual grid, and matching names merge into a single named region — the same way you’d write "header header header" in a stylesheet, just without typing the quotes and spacing by hand.
Once your layout looks right, the tool outputs two blocks:
- CSS — a
.wpex-grid-containerand.wpex-grid-itemrule set (or named-area classes in Areas mode), including any responsive media queries you’ve enabled - HTML — matching markup with the right number of grid items already in place
Both are copy-to-clipboard ready and use plain, unprefixed CSS Grid syntax supported by all modern browsers.
Use Cases
- Freelancers building a WordPress landing page or portfolio section can lay out a 3-column feature grid or a holy-grail page structure in the browser, then paste the CSS straight into a Custom HTML block or child theme stylesheet — no manual line-number math.
- Agencies prototyping a client layout can use Named Areas mode to sketch a header/sidebar/main/footer structure quickly, hand off working CSS in the same sitting, and adjust the responsive breakpoints before delivery.
- Site owners without a dev background can use the presets and randomize button to explore layout options visually, then copy working code to a developer or a page builder’s custom CSS field without needing to understand grid-line syntax first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CSS Grid generator?
A CSS Grid generator is a visual tool that lets you build a display: grid layout — setting columns, rows, gaps, and item placement — without hand-writing the CSS. This tool outputs both the CSS and the matching HTML markup, so you can paste working code directly into your project.
How do I make a responsive CSS grid?
Enable the Tablet and/or Mobile breakpoint toggles in the responsive bar above the preview, and set how many columns the grid should use at each screen size. The tool generates the matching @media queries automatically, so the grid reflows from your desktop layout down to fewer columns on smaller screens.
What’s the difference between grid-template-columns and grid-template-areas?grid-template-columns defines the size of each column track (for example, three equal 1fr columns), while grid-template-areas names regions of the grid so items can be placed by name instead of by column and row numbers. Tracks mode in this tool uses the first approach; Named Areas mode uses the second — pick whichever matches how you want to think about your layout.
Can I generate the HTML along with the CSS?
Yes. Every layout you build outputs both a CSS block and a matching HTML block, each with its own copy button, so the grid container and item markup are ready to paste in along with the styles.
Does this tool support random or custom grid generation?
Both. The Randomize button generates a random column/row structure with a spanning item as a quick starting point, and every setting — track sizes, gap, item spans, area names — can be fully customized afterward to match your exact layout.
What’s the difference between CSS Grid and Flexbox?
CSS Grid lays out content in two dimensions at once — rows and columns together — which makes it suited to full page or section layouts. Flexbox works in a single dimension (a row or a column) and is typically better for aligning items within a component, like a nav bar or a button group. Many real layouts use both: Grid for the page structure, Flexbox inside individual grid items.
Is this CSS grid generator free to use online?
Yes, it’s completely free with no signup — build your layout, copy the CSS and HTML, and use it directly in any project.