CSS overlay Property Reference

The CSS overlay property is a experimental property in CSS Positioned Layout. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

overlay overview

The CSS overlay property is a experimental property in CSS Positioned Layout. 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

overlay formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	none \| auto
Initial value	none
Applies to	allElements
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	discreteButVisibleForDurationWhenAnimatedNone
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Positioned Layout
Status	Experimental

Practical examples

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

overlay live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  overlay: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  overlay: inherit;
}

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