The align-self CSS property allows you to override how an individual item is aligned inside a flex or grid container, independently of the other items. While layout alignment is often controlled at the container level, align-self gives you fine-grained control over a single element’s position along the cross axis. This makes it especially useful when one item needs to visually stand out, sit higher or lower, or behave differently from its siblings without changing the overall layout structure.

In a flex layout, align-self works in relation to the container’s alignment rules, typically defined by align-items. When applied, it overrides the container’s alignment setting for that specific element only. This is helpful in responsive designs where most elements follow a consistent pattern, but one item - such as a button, icon, or label - needs a custom alignment. In grid layouts, align-self controls how an item aligns within its own grid area, giving you precise control without affecting other grid items.

The behavior of align-self also depends on the layout direction defined by the container. For example, when used in a flex container that flows in a column direction (controlled by flex-direction), the cross axis changes, and so does the visual effect of alignment. This adaptability makes align-self a powerful tool for building flexible and responsive interfaces. It pairs especially well with modern layout techniques, allowing developers to create polished designs without resorting to extra wrappers or complex positioning logic.