container-lines

Container Lines

Use When

• A page needs subtle vertical guides that reveal the content container width.
• A hero, section, or product page feels too loose and needs structural tension.
• The design calls for mini corner squares, measured edges, or quiet technical framing.

Rules

1. Draw lines at the left and right edges of the main content container.
2. Keep lines thin: 1px with low opacity.
3. Add mini squares at container corners or section intersections.
4. Keep the line system consistent across sections; do not change width per section.
5. Place lines behind content but above the page background.
6. Disable pointer events so the guides never block UI.

Base Tokens

:root {
  --container-max: 1120px;
  --container-pad: clamp(20px, 4vw, 48px);
  --line-color: rgba(24, 24, 27, 0.14);
  --line-strong: rgba(24, 24, 27, 0.28);
  --corner-size: 6px;
}

Page Container Lines

Use pseudo-elements on the layout shell.

.container-lines {
  position: relative;
  isolation: isolate;
}

.container-lines::before,
.container-lines::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  z-index: -1;
  width: 1px;
  background: var(--line-color);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.container-lines::before {
  left: max(var(--container-pad), calc((100vw - var(--container-max)) / 2));
}

.container-lines::after {
  right: max(var(--container-pad), calc((100vw - var(--container-max)) / 2));
}

Corner Squares

Add four small squares to sections that need a precise measured feel.

.corner-squares {
  position: relative;
}

.corner-squares > .corner {
  position: absolute;
  width: var(--corner-size);
  height: var(--corner-size);
  background: var(--line-strong);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.corner.top-left { top: 0; left: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); }
.corner.top-right { top: 0; right: 0; transform: translate(50%, -50%); }
.corner.bottom-left { bottom: 0; left: 0; transform: translate(-50%, 50%); }
.corner.bottom-right { right: 0; bottom: 0; transform: translate(50%, 50%); }