This tutorial introduces you to the basic features and language (the syntax) for Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You use CSS to change the look of a structured document, such as a web page. The tutorial also includes sample exercises you can try on your own computer to see the effects of CSS and features that work in modern browsers.

The tutorial is for beginners and anyone who would like to review the basics of CSS. If you have more experience with CSS, the CSS main page lists more advanced resources.

What you need to get started

  • A text editor
  • A modern browser
  • Some experience working with a text editor and browser

Although the exercises can help you learn, you are not required to complete them. You can simply read the tutorial and look at the pictures.

Note: The tutorial covers how CSS works with color. It will be easier to complete these sections with a color display and normal color vision.

How to use this tutorial

To use this tutorial, read the pages carefully and in sequence. If you skip a page, it may be difficult to understand pages later in the tutorial.

Part I: The Basics of CSS

On each page, use the Information section to understand how CSS works. Use the Action section to try using CSS on your own computer.

To test your understanding, take the challenge at the end of each page. Solutions to the challenges are linked under the challenges, so you don't need to look at them if you don't want to.

To understand CSS in more depth, read the information that you find in boxes captioned More details. Use the links there to find reference information about CSS.

Part II: The Scope of CSS

A second part of the tutorial provides examples, which show the scope of CSS with other web and Mozilla technologies.

  1. JavaScript
  2. SVG graphics
  3. XML data
  4. XBL bindings
  5. XUL user interfaces