CSS caret Property Reference

The CSS caret property is a standard property in CSS Basic User Interface. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

caret overview

The CSS caret property is a standard property in CSS Basic User Interface. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

The computed value normally inherits from the parent element when no declaration wins the cascade.

Syntax and formal definition

caret formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	<'caret-color'> \|\| <'caret-animation'> \|\| <'caret-shape'>
Initial value	caret-color, caret-animation, caret-shape
Applies to	textOrElementsThatAcceptInput
Inherited	Yes
Percentages	no
Computed value	caret-color, caret-animation, caret-shape
Animation type	caret-color, caret-animation, caret-shape
Media	interactive
Specification group	CSS Basic User Interface
Status	Standard

Practical examples

These declarations demonstrate valid ways to set caret. The initial and inherit global keywords remain available even when a property-specific value is preferable.

caret live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  caret: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  caret: inherit;
}

@supports (caret: initial) {
  .supported {
    caret: initial;
  }
}