# z-index

z-index is the CSS property that helps control layout by providing a third axis to arrange content.

Several MaterialĀ UI components utilize `z-index`, employing a default z-index scale that has been designed to properly layer drawers, modals, snackbars, tooltips, and more. The `z-index` values start at an arbitrary number, high and specific enough to ideally avoid conflicts: - mobile stepper: 1000 - fab: 1050 - speed dial: 1050 - app bar: 1100 - drawer: 1200 - modal: 1300 - snackbar: 1400 - tooltip: 1500 These values can always be customized. You will find them in the theme under the [`zIndex`](/material-ui/customization/default-theme/?expand-path=$.zIndex) key of the theme. Customization of individual values is discouraged; should you change one, you likely need to change them all.