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CSS translate3d() Function – How to Reposition Elements Three-Dimensionally

translate3d() transforms an element by repositioning (translating) it three-dimensionally along the x-, y-, and z-axis.

Illustration of the 3D Cartesian coordinate system

A three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system showing the X-, Y-, and Z-axis

Syntax of the CSS translate3d() Function

Section titled “Syntax of the CSS translate3d() Function”

translate3d() accepts three arguments. Here is the syntax:

element {
  transform: translate3d(x, y, z);
}

Note the following:

  • The x argument can be a length or percentage value. It specifies the distance you wish to move the element from its original x-axis position.
  • The y argument can be a length or percentage value. It defines the distance you wish to move the element from its original y-axis position.
  • z can only be a length—not a percentage. It defines the distance you wish to move the element from its original z-axis position.

Examples of the CSS translate3d() Function

Section titled “Examples of the CSS translate3d() Function”

Below are some examples of how the CSS translate3d() function works.

How to translate an element along only the X-axis

Section titled “How to translate an element along only the X-axis”
img {
  transform: translate3d(150px, 0, 0);
  width: 80%;
}

Try Editing It

The snippet above used the translate3d() function to reposition the image 150px away from its original position along the x-axis.

How to translate elements three-dimensionally

Section titled “How to translate elements three-dimensionally”
img {
  width: 40%;
}


.second-image {
  transform: perspective(300px) translate3d(15%, 45%, 200px);
}

Try Editing It

The snippet above used the translate3d() function to reposition the image 15% away from its original position along the x-axis. 45% from its y-axis. And 200px from its z-axis.

CSS translate3d() Function vs. translate Property: What’s the Difference?

Section titled “CSS translate3d() Function vs. translate Property: What’s the Difference?”

The CSS translate3d() function and the CSS translate property provide two similar ways to specify a translation transformation.

The main differences between the two translation techniques are as follows:

  • The CSS translate property allows translating an element without using the CSS transform property.
  • The CSS translate property’s syntax is shorter than its function alternative.
  • The CSS translate property saves you from remembering the specific order to position the transform functions.
  • Browsers calculate the transform functions’ matrix in the order you assigned them to the CSS transform property—from left to right.
  • Browsers calculate the transform properties’ matrix in the following transformation matrix order:
    1. translate
    2. rotate
    3. scale

Here’s an example:

Use CSS translate property to translate an element three-dimensionally:

img {
  width: 40%;
}


div {
  perspective: 300px;
}


.second-image {
  translate: 50% 25% 200px; /* Equal to a transform: translate3d(50%, 25%, 200px) property */
}

Try Editing It

The snippet above used the translate property to reposition the image 50% away from its original position along the x-axis. 25% from its y-axis. And 200px from its z-axis.

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