CSS writing-mode Property Reference

The CSS writing-mode property is a standard property in CSS Writing Modes. Review its formal syntax, computed behavior, and practical declarations.

Updated 2026-08-12

writing-mode overview

The CSS writing-mode property is a standard property in CSS Writing Modes. 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

writing-mode formal syntax

Field	Value
Formal syntax	horizontal-tb \| vertical-rl \| vertical-lr \| sideways-rl \| sideways-lr
Initial value	horizontal-tb
Applies to	allElementsExceptTableRowColumnGroupsTableRowsColumns
Inherited	Yes
Percentages	no
Computed value	asSpecified
Animation type	notAnimatable
Media	visual
Specification group	CSS Writing Modes
Status	Standard

Practical examples

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

writing-mode live example

CSS

.reset-example {
  writing-mode: initial;
}

.inherit-example {
  writing-mode: inherit;
}

@supports (writing-mode: initial) {
  .supported {
    writing-mode: initial;
  }
}