CSS custom properties, also known as variables, allow you to define custom values that can be used throughout your stylesheet. This makes it easier to manage and update styles, especially in responsive web design.
Basic Syntax
CSS
:root {
–primary-color: blue;
–secondary-color: red;
}
.element {
color: var(–primary-color);
background-color: var(–secondary-color);
}
Benefits of Using Custom Properties
- Centralized control: Manage styles in one place.
- Responsiveness: Easily adapt styles based on screen size or user preferences.
- Maintainability: Improve code organization and readability.
- Dynamic styling: Create dynamic effects and animations.
Getting Started
- Define custom properties: Create custom properties within the :root selector.
- Reference custom properties: Use the var() function to reference custom properties in your styles.
- Update custom properties: Modify custom property values to change the appearance of your elements.
Example:
HTML
<div class=”element”>
This is an element.
</div>
CSS
:root {
–primary-color: blue;
–secondary-color: red;
}
.element {
color: var(–primary-color);
background-color: var(–secondary-color);
}
Using Custom Properties Responsively
You can use media queries to change custom property values based on screen size.
Example:
CSS
@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {
:root {
–primary-color: green;
–secondary-color: yellow;
}
}
Additional Tips
- Use meaningful names: Choose descriptive names for your custom properties.
- Combine with CSS variables: Use CSS variables in conjunction with custom properties for more complex styling.
- Leverage CSS preprocessors: Use preprocessors like Sass or Less to simplify the management of custom properties.
By effectively using CSS custom properties, you can create more flexible, maintainable, and responsive web designs.
