CSS animation Property Reference
The CSS animation property is a standard property in CSS Animations. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.
Updated 2026-08-12
animation overview
The CSS animation property is a standard property in CSS Animations. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.
The property is not inherited by default. Use an explicit global keyword when inheritance is intended.
Syntax and formal definition
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Formal syntax | <single-animation># |
| Initial value | animation-name, animation-duration, animation-timing-function, animation-delay, animation-iteration-count, animation-direction, animation-fill-mode, animation-play-state, animation-timeline |
| Applies to | allElements |
| Inherited | No |
| Percentages | no |
| Computed value | animation-name, animation-duration, animation-timing-function, animation-delay, animation-direction, animation-iteration-count, animation-fill-mode, animation-play-state, animation-timeline |
| Animation type | notAnimatable |
| Media | visual |
| Specification group | CSS Animations |
| Status | Standard |
Practical examples
These declarations demonstrate valid ways to set animation. The initial and inherit global keywords remain available even when a property-specific value is preferable.
CSS
.reset-example {
animation: initial;
}
.inherit-example {
animation: inherit;
}
@supports (animation: fade-in 300ms ease-out both) {
.supported {
animation: fade-in 300ms ease-out both;
}
}