initial-value

The initial-value CSS descriptor is required when using the @property at-rule unless the syntax accepts any valid token stream. It sets the initial-value for the property.

The value chosen as the initial-value must parse correctly according to the syntax definition. Therefore, if syntax is <color> then the initial-value must be a valid color value.

Syntax

css

@property --property-name {
  syntax: "<color>";
  inherits: false;
  initial-value: #c0ffee;
}

@property --property-name {
  syntax: "<color>";
  inherits: true;
  initial-value: #c0ffee;
}

Values

A string with a value which is a correct value for the chosen syntax.

Formal definition

Related at-rule@property
Initial valuen/a (required)
Computed valueas specified

Formal syntax

initial-value = 
  <declaration-value>

Examples

Add type checking to --my-color custom property, as a color, the initial-value being a valid color:

Using CSS @property at-rule:

css

@property --my-color {
  syntax: "<color>";
  inherits: false;
  initial-value: #c0ffee;
}

Using JavaScript CSS.registerProperty:

js

window.CSS.registerProperty({
  name: "--my-color",
  syntax: "<color>",
  inherits: false,
  initialValue: "#c0ffee",
});

Specifications

Specification
CSS Properties and Values API Level 1
# initial-value-descriptor

Browser compatibility

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See also