CSS content Property Reference

The CSS content property is a standard property in CSS Generated Content. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

content overview

The CSS content property is a standard property in CSS Generated Content. 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

content formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	normal \| none \| [ <content-replacement> \| <content-list> ] [ / [ <string> \| <counter> \| <attr()> ]+ ]?
Initial value	normal
Applies to	allElementsTreeAbidingPseudoElementsPageMarginBoxes
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	normalOnElementsForPseudosNoneAbsoluteURIStringOrAsSpecified
Animation type	discrete
Media	all
Specification group	CSS Generated Content
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

content live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  content: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  content: inherit;
}

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