CSS max-lines Property Reference

The CSS max-lines property is a experimental property in CSS Overflow. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

max-lines overview

The CSS max-lines property is a experimental property in CSS Overflow. 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

max-lines formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	none \| <integer>
Initial value	none
Applies to	blockContainersExceptMultiColumnContainers
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	integer
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Overflow
Status	Experimental

Practical examples

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

max-lines live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  max-lines: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  max-lines: inherit;
}

@supports (max-lines: initial) {
  .supported {
    max-lines: initial;
  }
}