How to customize the gutter width in Bootstrap grid only?

Edit the LESS variables in grid.css.less, specifically @gutter-width, and recompile using a LESS compiler like lessc or LessPHP. The README provides variables for grid customization, making it straightforward to adjust.

Bootstrap grid only or Unsemantic – which should I use for semantic grids?

Bootstrap grid only offers similar granularity with 100-column grids, but it's based on Bootstrap's class structure. Choose Bootstrap grid only if you prefer Bootstrap's grid syntax or need LESS customization; Unsemantic might be better for pure semantic naming without Bootstrap ties.

Can Bootstrap grid only work with Bootstrap 4 or 5?

No, it's built on Bootstrap 3.2.0 and uses different class names and grid systems. For Bootstrap 4 or 5 grids, consider using their official grid-only versions or customizers instead.

How to compile the LESS file for Bootstrap grid only in a Drupal site?

Use LessPHP for server-side compilation, as this version avoids LESS extends for compatibility. Include the grid.css.less file and configure Drupal's LESS processing to handle the variables and breakpoints.

Is Bootstrap grid only still maintained since it's based on Bootstrap 3?

The project appears stagnant with no updates beyond Bootstrap 3.2.0, so for ongoing support and modern features, you might need to fork it or use alternatives like Bootstrap's customizer for newer versions.

What are the performance benefits of using Bootstrap grid only over full Bootstrap?

It significantly reduces CSS file size by excluding styles, JavaScript, and resets, leading to faster load times. However, you sacrifice ready-made components, so performance gains depend on how much custom CSS you add.

Open-Awesome

Bootstrap Grid Only

MITCSS

A lightweight CSS library containing only Bootstrap's responsive grid and utility classes, without any extra styles or JavaScript.

GitHub

445 stars229 forks0 contributors

What is Bootstrap Grid Only?

Bootstrap-Grid-Only is a lightweight CSS library that extracts only the responsive grid system and utility classes from Bootstrap, omitting all other styles and JavaScript. It solves the problem of Bootstrap's bloat by providing a minimal, customizable foundation for building flexible layouts while allowing complete design freedom.

Target Audience

Frontend developers and designers who need Bootstrap's grid structure but want to avoid its default styling, especially those working with custom design systems or integrating with platforms like Drupal that use LessPHP.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Bootstrap-Grid-Only for its extreme lightweight approach, offering total control over class naming and styling without the overhead of full Bootstrap, while maintaining compatibility with LessPHP for server-side compilation.

Overview

Bootstrap's grid and responsive utility classes only, without any extras. Lightweight yet still powerful. Style to taste. Works with LessPHP.

Use Cases

Best For

Building custom design systems that require a responsive grid without Bootstrap's default styles
Integrating a lightweight grid into CMS platforms like Drupal that use LessPHP
Projects needing granular layout control with options like 100-column grids
Rebranding or redesigning existing sites that rely on Bootstrap's grid but need new visual styles
Creating semantic class naming conventions (e.g., col-mobile instead of col-xs)
Reducing CSS bundle size by excluding unnecessary Bootstrap components

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring Bootstrap's JavaScript plugins or interactive components like modals and carousels
Teams using Bootstrap 4 or 5, as this is based on the older Bootstrap 3.2.0
Developers who need built-in CSS resets or normalization for cross-browser consistency
Rapid prototyping where pre-styled components and themes are preferred over custom CSS work

Pros & Cons

Pros

Minimalist Grid Foundation

Strips away all Bootstrap styling and JavaScript, providing only the responsive grid and utility classes, which reduces bloat and allows complete design freedom, as emphasized in the philosophy.

Flexible Column Options

Includes precompiled stylesheets for 12, 24, 30, and 100-column grids with adjustable gutter widths, enabling granular layout control and semantic naming similar to Unsemantic.

Customizable LESS Source

Comes with a LESS file containing variables for grid columns, gutter width, and breakpoints, making it easy to tailor the grid and compile server-side with LessPHP, as noted in the instructions.

Compatibility with LessPHP

Designed to avoid LESS extends, allowing seamless integration with Drupal and other platforms that use LessPHP for server-side compilation, a key reason for its creation.

Cons

Outdated Bootstrap Version

Based on Bootstrap 3.2.0, which lacks modern features like flexbox grids and improvements from Bootstrap 4 and 5, potentially hindering adoption in current projects.

No Built-in Styling or Components

Excludes all styles, JavaScript, and CSS resets, requiring developers to build everything from scratch, which can increase initial setup time and effort.

Limited Ecosystem Integration

As a stripped-down version, it doesn't leverage the broader Bootstrap ecosystem, such as themes or community plugins, limiting out-of-the-box functionality.

Dependency on LESS

Primarily relies on LESS for customization, which may not align with teams using SASS, PostCSS, or other modern CSS preprocessors, adding complexity for some workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

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