CSS container-type Property
Designates an element as a container for container queries and defines the query type
Syntax
container-type: normal | size | inline-size;Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| normal | Not a query container (default) |
| size | Responds to both inline and block size |
| inline-size | Responds to inline-size queries only |
Example
.card-wrapper {
container-type: inline-size;
container-name: card;
}
@container card (min-width: 400px) {
.card { display: flex; }
}Understanding CSS container-type
The CSS container-type property designates an element as a container for container queries and defines the query type. As part of the Misc module in CSS, it is one of the most commonly used properties for controlling the visual presentation of web pages.
You can set container-type to values such as normal, size, inline-size, among others. Each value changes how the browser renders the affected element, giving you fine-grained control over your page layout and design. Choosing the right value depends on the specific design requirements of your project.
Common use cases for the container-type property include responsive web design, component-based layouts, and creating visually consistent interfaces across devices. It works closely with related properties like container-name, contain, display to achieve complex styling effects. Understanding how these properties interact helps you write cleaner, more maintainable stylesheets.
Browser support for container-type is excellent across all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For older browsers, consider using fallback values or progressive enhancement strategies. The property can also be set dynamically via JavaScript using element.style.containerType or the CSS custom properties (variables) approach for theming.
Related Properties
Explore More CSS Properties
Browse our complete reference of 251 CSS properties with syntax, examples, and tips.