CSS scroll-behavior Property
Specifies whether scrolling should animate smoothly or jump instantly
Syntax
scroll-behavior: auto | smooth;Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| auto | Instant scrolling (default) |
| smooth | Smooth animated scrolling |
Example
html {
scroll-behavior: smooth;
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
html { scroll-behavior: auto; }
}Understanding CSS scroll-behavior
The CSS scroll-behavior property specifies whether scrolling should animate smoothly or jump instantly. As part of the Scroll module in CSS, it is one of the most commonly used properties for controlling the visual presentation of web pages.
You can set scroll-behavior to values such as auto, smooth, 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 scroll-behavior property include responsive web design, component-based layouts, and creating visually consistent interfaces across devices. It works closely with related properties like overflow, scroll-snap-type, scroll-margin to achieve complex styling effects. Understanding how these properties interact helps you write cleaner, more maintainable stylesheets.
Browser support for scroll-behavior 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.scrollBehavior or the CSS custom properties (variables) approach for theming.
Related Properties
overflowControls what happens to content that overflows an element's box
scroll-snap-typeSets how snap points are enforced on a scroll container
scroll-marginSets the scroll margin on all sides defining the snap area used for snapping
scroll-paddingSets the scroll padding on the scroll container adjusting the snap viewport
Explore More CSS Properties
Browse our complete reference of 251 CSS properties with syntax, examples, and tips.