CSS shape-outside Property Reference

The CSS shape-outside property is a standard property in CSS Shapes. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

shape-outside overview

The CSS shape-outside property is a standard property in CSS Shapes. 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

shape-outside formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	none \| [ <shape-box> \|\| <basic-shape> ] \| <image>
Initial value	none
Applies to	floats
Inherited	No
Percentages	no
Computed value	asDefinedForBasicShapeWithAbsoluteURIOtherwiseAsSpecified
Animation type	basicShapeOtherwiseNo
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Shapes
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

shape-outside live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  shape-outside: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  shape-outside: inherit;
}

@supports (shape-outside: initial) {
  .supported {
    shape-outside: initial;
  }
}