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CSS Property

max-width

Sizing

Sets the maximum width an element can grow to.

Syntax

max-width: value;

Example

max-width: 1200px;

Common use cases

  • Capping content width on large screens
  • Readable line lengths in typography
  • Responsive containers that don't stretch infinitely

Practical developer insight

max-width overrides width — if both are set, the smaller value wins. Combine with margin: 0 auto to center capped containers.

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