CSS Background logo CSS Background

CSS Background Guide

Learn CSS backgrounds end-to-end—from layering and shorthand to gradients, patterns, and debugging.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if you:

  • Know basic CSS (selectors, properties, the box model basics)
  • Want to build backgrounds you can predict and debug
  • Prefer learning concepts first, then syntax

What you’ll be able to do

By the end, you’ll be comfortable with:

  • Writing multi-layer backgrounds (images + gradients)
  • Reading and writing the background shorthand without guessing
  • Controlling position/size/repeat precisely
  • Creating classic patterns (grid, plaid, stripes, rays, dots) using gradients
Prefer to learn by doing?
  • Explore interesting CSS background patterns and open them in the editor.

A tiny warm-up example

Linear gradient with a highlight blob.

background:
  radial-gradient(circle at 30% 30%, #fff9, transparent 55%),
  linear-gradient(135deg in oklab, #7c3aed, #06b6d4);

Learning path

Follow this sequence:

  1. Essentials
  2. Gradients
  3. Patterns

Essentials

Build a reliable mental model and learn the background properties you’ll use on every project.