CSS white-space-collapse Property Reference

The CSS white-space-collapse property is a standard property in CSS Text. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

white-space-collapse overview

The CSS white-space-collapse property is a standard property in CSS Text. 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

white-space-collapse formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	collapse \| preserve \| preserve-breaks \| preserve-spaces \| break-spaces
Initial value	collapse
Applies to	allElements
Inherited	Yes
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	discrete
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Text
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

white-space-collapse live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  white-space-collapse: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  white-space-collapse: inherit;
}

@supports (white-space-collapse: initial) {
  .supported {
    white-space-collapse: initial;
  }
}