What does the clear property do in CSS?

The clear property in CSS is essential for controlling the placement of elements in relation to floating elements. When an element is floated, it moves to the left or right within its container, often causing subsequent elements to wrap around it. The clear property, when applied to an element, prevents it from being displayed alongside a floated element, ensuring that it starts on a new line below it. This is particularly useful for layout design and maintaining a clean structure in web pages, as it helps to avoid overlap and ensures proper spacing and alignment of elements after floats.

Understanding this function is crucial for achieving the desired layout in CSS, especially when working with floated elements such as images or text blocks within a grid or column design. By utilizing the clear property, developers can manage the flow of content effectively, leading to a more organized presentation of elements on the webpage.