CSS unicode-bidi Property
Used with the direction property to set or return the text direction
Syntax
unicode-bidi: normal | embed | bidi-override | isolate | isolate-override | plaintext;Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| normal | No additional level of embedding |
| embed | Opens an additional level of embedding |
| bidi-override | Overrides the bidirectional algorithm |
| isolate | Creates an isolated sequence |
Example
.ltr-override {
unicode-bidi: bidi-override;
direction: ltr;
}Understanding CSS unicode-bidi
The CSS unicode-bidi property used with the direction property to set or return the text direction. As part of the Layout module in CSS, it is one of the most commonly used properties for controlling the visual presentation of web pages.
You can set unicode-bidi to values such as normal, embed, bidi-override, isolate, 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 unicode-bidi property include responsive web design, component-based layouts, and creating visually consistent interfaces across devices. It works closely with related properties like direction, writing-mode, text-align to achieve complex styling effects. Understanding how these properties interact helps you write cleaner, more maintainable stylesheets.
Browser support for unicode-bidi 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.unicodeBidi or the CSS custom properties (variables) approach for theming.
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