outline-offset

Summary

The outline-offset CSS property is used to set space between an outline and the edge or border of an element. An outline is a line that is drawn around elements, outside the border edge.

Initial value0
Applies toall elements
Inheritedno
Mediavisual, interactive
Computed valueas specified, but with relative lengths converted into absolute lengths
Animatableyes, as a length
Canonical orderthe unique non-ambiguous order defined by the formal grammar

The space will be transparent (the parent will determine the background).

Syntax

/* <length> values */
outline-offset: 3px;
outline-offset: 0.2em;

/* Global values */
outline-offset: inherit;
outline-offset: initial;
outline-offset: unset;

Values

<length>
The width of the space. See <length> for possible units. Negative values place the outline inside the element.

Formal syntax

<length>

Examples

p {
  outline: dashed thin;
  /* Move the outline 10px away from the border */
  outline-offset: 10px;
  border:1px solid black;
}

Html

<p>outline: offset 10px. Border is solid and outline is dashed</p>

The code above produces this effect:

Another example:

outline: multiple offsets;

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
CSS Transitions
The definition of 'outline-offset' in that specification.
Working Draft Defines outline-offset as animatable.
CSS Basic User Interface Module Level 3
The definition of 'outline-offset' in that specification.
Candidate Recommendation Initial definition

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari (WebKit)
Basic support 1.0 1.5 (1.8) No support 9.5 1.2
Feature Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Phone Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support ? ? ? ? ?

Document Tags and Contributors

 Last updated by: Sebastianz,