CSS Variables
The var() function is used to insert the value of a CSS variable.
CSS variables have access to the DOM, which means that you can create variables with local or global scope, change the variables with JavaScript, and change the variables based on media queries.
A good way to use CSS variables is when it comes to the colors of your design. Instead of copy and paste the same colors over and over again, you can place them in variables.
CSS Declare a Variable
CSS variables can have a global or local scope.
Global variables can be accessed through the entire document, while local variables can be used only inside the selector where it is declared.
To create a global variable, declare it inside the :root selector. The :root selector matches the document's root element.
To create a local variable, declare it inside the selector that is going to use it.
A CSS variable name must begin with two dashes (--) and is case sensitive!
Syntax
:root {
--primary-bg-color: green; /* global scope */
} .note {
--note-bg: yellow; /* local scope */
}The CSS var() Function
The var() function is used to insert the value of a declared CSS variable.
Syntax
var(-- name, value )| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| name | Required. The variable name (must start with two dashes) |
| value | Optional. The fallback value (used if the variable is not found) |
Advantages of using var() are
- Makes the code easier to maintain (simplifies updates)
- Makes the code easier to read (more understandable)
- Makes it easier to change the color values for the entire page
CSS Variables Example
Here, we declare two global variables (--primary-bg-color and --primary-color).
Then, we use the var() function to insert the value of the variables later in the style sheet:
Example
:root {
--primary-bg-color: #1e90ff;
--primary-color: #ffffff;
}
body {
background-color: var(--primary-bg-color);
} .container {
color: var(--primary-bg-color);
background-color: var(--primary-color);
padding: 15px;
} .container h2 {
border-bottom: 2px solid
var(--primary-bg-color);
} .container .note {
border: 1px
solid var(--primary-bg-color);
padding: 10px;
}Live preview
To change the look of the page, you just need to change the two variable values:
Example
:root {
--primary-bg-color: #8FBC8F;
--primary-color: #FFFAF0;
}
body {
background-color: var(--primary-bg-color);
} .container {
color: var(--primary-bg-color);
background-color: var(--primary-color);
padding: 15px;
} .container h2 {
border-bottom: 2px solid var(--primary-bg-color);
} .container .note {
border: 1px solid
var(--primary-bg-color);
padding: 10px;
}Live preview
CSS var() Function
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| var() | Inserts the value of a CSS variable |