CSS outline Property


Example

Set the outline around a <p> element:

p {
    outline: #00FF00 dotted thick;
}

Try it yourself »

Definition and Usage

An outline is a line that is drawn around elements (outside the borders) to make the element "stand out".

The outline shorthand property sets all the outline properties in one declaration.

The properties that can be set, are (in order): outline-color, outline-style, outline-width.

If one of the values above are missing, e.g. "outline:solid #ff0000;", the default value for the missing property will be inserted, if any.

Note: The outline is not a part of the element's dimensions, therefore the element's width and height properties do not contain the width of the outline.

Default value: invert none medium
Inherited: no
Animatable: yes, see individual properties. Read about animatable Try it
Version: CSS2
JavaScript syntax: object.style.outline="#0000FF dotted 5px" Try it


Browser Support

The numbers in the table specify the first browser version that fully supports the property.

Property
outline 1.0 8.0 1.5 1.2 7.0

Note: IE8 supports the outline property only if a !DOCTYPE is specified.


CSS Syntax

outline: outline-color outline-style outline-width|initial|inherit;

Property Values

Value Description
outline-color Specifies the color of the outline
outline-style Specifies the style of the outline
outline-width Specifies the width of outline
initial Sets this property to its default value. Read about initial
inherit Inherits this property from its parent element. Read about inherit


Related Pages

CSS tutorial: CSS Outline

HTML DOM reference: outline property



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