z-index

The z-index property sets the stacking order of a positioned element within its stacking context.

Since CSS2 Spec ↗

Syntax

z-index: auto | <integer>;

Examples

.header { position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 10; }
.modal { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 1000; }
Output
Keeps the header above page content and the modal above everything else.

Notes

z-index only affects positioned elements (and flex/grid items). It is scoped to the current stacking context; a high value inside a low-z parent cannot escape it. Properties like opacity below 1, transform, and filter create new stacking contexts.

Browser & runtime support

EnvironmentSince version
chrome 1.0
firefox 1.0
safari 1.0
edge 12

See also