Chris Z: That is sometimes the way of things.

I’m a hobbyist working with HTML and CSS, but I’m following the development of the masonry feature with great interest (which is how I came across this article).

Right now, I use masonry as an optional feature on my personal site for browsers that support it. Here’s the code I’m using:

grid-template-rows: masonry;
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(120px, 1fr));
gap: 10px;

What I love about this approach is how easily it fits into the grid system I already (kinda) know. To switch to flexible row alignment, all I have to do is add grid-template-rows: masonry; and remove my usual centring styles.

That being said, I can also see the value in the proposed item-* properties. Being able to describe item flow behaviour consistently across both grid and flex layouts would definitely lower the learning curve and make CSS feel much more coherent.