CSS / CSS Variables and Custom Properties
Using Variables in Media Queries
In this tutorial, you'll learn to use CSS Variables in media queries for responsive design. We'll cover how to adjust styles dynamically based on viewport size.
Section overview
5 resourcesExplores the use of CSS variables and custom properties for reusable styles.
1. Introduction
1.1 Goals
In this tutorial, we aim to understand how to utilize CSS Variables in media queries for responsive design. This will allow your website to adapt its layout to different screen sizes.
1.2 Learning Outcomes
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Define CSS variables
- Use CSS variables in media queries
- Understand the concept of responsive design
1.3 Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and the concept of media queries would be beneficial.
2. Step-by-Step Guide
CSS variables, also known as custom properties, are entities defined by CSS authors that contain specific values to be reused throughout a document.
Media queries are a popular technique for delivering a tailored style sheet to desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones (such as iPhone and Android phones).
2.1 Defining CSS Variables
CSS variables are defined with two dashes in front of the name and are set using the : character, like this:
:root {
--main-color: #c06;
}
In this code, --main-color is a variable set to the color #c06.
2.2 Using CSS Variables in Media Queries
You can use these variables in a media query like this:
@media (max-width: 600px) {
:root {
--main-color: #f06;
}
}
In this code, --main-color is set to #f06 when the viewport is 600 pixels wide or less.
3. Code Examples
Let's illustrate this with a practical example. We will create a simple webpage with a title that changes color based on the viewport size.
3.1 Code Snippet
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
:root {
--main-color: #c06;
}
h1 {
color: var(--main-color);
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
:root {
--main-color: #f06;
}
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello World</h1>
</body>
</html>
3.2 Explanation
- We define a variable called
--main-colorand assign it the color#c06. - We apply this variable as the color of the
h1tag. - We use a media query to change the value of
--main-colorto#f06when the viewport is 600px wide or less.
3.3 Expected result
When the viewport is larger than 600px, the color of the title will be #c06. When the viewport is 600px or less, the color will change to #f06.
4. Summary
In this tutorial, we've learned how to define and use CSS variables in media queries. This technique allows us to create dynamic styles that can adapt based on the viewport size, which is a key aspect of responsive web design.
For further learning, you could explore how to use other types of CSS properties in media queries, such as font sizes, margins, and paddings.
5. Practice Exercises
- Create a webpage with a paragraph of text that changes font size based on the viewport size.
- Create a webpage with a div that changes background color and padding based on the viewport size.
5.1 Solutions and Explanations
-
For the first exercise, define a CSS variable for the font size and use it in a media query to change the font size based on the viewport size.
-
For the second exercise, define two CSS variables for the background color and padding. Use these variables in a media query to change the div's style based on the viewport size.
Remember, the key to mastering this concept is practice. Try to incorporate CSS variables and media queries in your future projects for a more responsive design!
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