Vertical Separator Bootstrap in React: Quick Guide

Looking to create clean layouts in React?

Adding a vertical separator with Bootstrap can make a big difference in how your content looks and feels. Vertical dividers help organize content, making it easier for users to follow along. Bootstrap makes adding these dividers simple and flexible, especially when working with flex layouts.

This blog covers how to create a vertical separator in Bootstrap, how to customize it, and how it fits into different UI patterns.

Understanding Vertical Dividers in Bootstrap

A vertical divider is used to separate elements within a layout. With its grid and flex utilities, Bootstrap allows developers to incorporate vertical dividers efficiently. These rules provide a structured way to separate sections, enhancing readability and user experience.

How Bootstrap Works with Vertical Rules

Bootstrap’s grid system is based on a row and column structure, utilizing flexbox for alignment and spacing. To create a vertical divider, use CSS utilities such as border-start, border-end, and opacity settings to achieve the desired effect.

1.vertical-divider {
2  border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
3  height: 100%;
4  margin: 0 10px;
5}

​

In the above CSS snippet:

• The rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) value in border-left ensures a subtle appearance by applying a semi-transparent black border.

• The margin provides spacing to separate elements.

Example: Basic Vertical Divider in Bootstrap

A simple implementation of a vertical divider within a Bootstrap flex layout:

1import "bootstrap/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css";
2
3function VerticalDividerExample() {
4  return (
5    <div className="d-flex align-items-center">
6      <div className="p-3">Left Content</div>
7      <div className="vertical-divider"></div>
8      <div className="p-3">Right Content</div>
9    </div>
10  );
11}
12
13export default VerticalDividerExample;

​

Here:

• The d-flex class applies a flex layout.

• The align-items-center class ensures vertical alignment.

• The .vertical-divider applies the vertical rule.

How to Create Vertical Dividers in Common Layouts

Using Bootstrap Grid System

Bootstrap’s grid system enables structured common layouts using row and col. To create vertical dividers, a simple approach is using borders:

1<div className="container">
2  <div className="row">
3    <div className="col-5 p-3">Content 1</div>
4    <div className="col-1 d-flex align-items-center">
5      <div className="vertical-divider w-100"></div>
6    </div>
7    <div className="col-5 p-3">Content 2</div>
8  </div>
9</div>

​

Works Vertical Rules with CSS Flexbox

The Bootstrap flex layout simplifies adding vertical dividers in common UI structures.

1<div className="d-flex">
2  <div className="p-3">Section A</div>
3  <div className="vertical-divider"></div>
4  <div className="p-3">Section B</div>
5</div>

​

The custom vertical rule helper ensures uniform styling across various sections.

Customizing Vertical Dividers for Additional Styles

Using Opacity Customize

Opacity affects how visible the vertical rules appear. Adjust the opacity in CSS:

1.vertical-divider {
2  border-left: 2px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
3  opacity: 0.5;
4}

​

By modifying the opacity property, you can adjust the visibility of the divider.

Positioning the Vertical Divider

The position of the vertical rule can be adjusted within the layout:

1.vertical-divider {
2  border-left: 1px solid #ccc;
3  height: 100%;
4  position: absolute;
5  left: 50%;
6  transform: translateX(-50%);
7}

​

This ensures the divider remains centered regardless of content changes.

Adding Vertical Rules with CSS Pseudo-elements

Instead of using an explicit div, a vertical line can be added using ::after:

1.divider-container::after {
2  content: "";
3  position: absolute;
4  left: 50%;
5  width: 1px;
6  height: 100%;
7  background-color: black;
8}

​

This approach avoids unnecessary elements while keeping the layout clean.

Advanced Example: Vertical Divider with Responsive Behavior

Example: Adaptive Vertical Dividers

To ensure vertical dividers in common structures are responsive, use Bootstrap’s utility classes.

1<div className="d-flex flex-column flex-md-row">
2  <div className="p-3">Section A</div>
3  <div className="d-none d-md-block vertical-divider"></div>
4  <div className="p-3">Section B</div>
5</div>

​

• d-none d-md-block: Hides the vertical divider on small screens.

• flex-column flex-md-row: Stacks content on smaller screens but aligns horizontally on medium screens.

Common Mistakes When Creating Vertical Dividers

1. Incorrect Positioning

   • Avoid using position: absolute without a defined left value.

2. Lack of Flex Support

   • Always wrap elements in d-flex to ensure proper alignment.

3. Opacity Issues

   • Adjust opacity values for better visibility.

4. Overusing Extra Elements

   • Prefer pseudo-elements over unnecessary div structures.

Wrapping Up: Creating Clean Layouts with Vertical Separator Bootstrap

Using vertical separator Bootstrap helps keep layouts clean and easy to follow. By tweaking opacity, adjusting styles, and using flex layouts, developers can create sharp and organized designs. Bootstrap’s built-in utilities make it simple to add vertical dividers while keeping things consistent. Adding custom styles gives even more control over the look and feel, making it easier to match any design.

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