How to use backgrounds, gradients, and borders in CSS

What to know about backgrounds, gradients, and borders in CSS

Backgrounds and gradients add depth, while borders and radius create polished UI affordances. This chapter explains the concept, demonstrates a practical example, and gives you a guided exercise.

How to use backgrounds, gradients, and borders in CSS

Write a rule with a clear selector and declarations, then inspect the cascade in browser developer tools. Prefer reusable classes, responsive units, and visible focus styles.

Example: backgrounds, gradients, and borders in CSS

Use this example as a starting point. Identify the part that controls the result, then adapt it to your own page or project.

.hero { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0f172a, #2563eb); border-radius: 24px; }

Common questions about backgrounds, gradients, and borders

When should I use backgrounds, gradients, and borders?

Use this technique when it expresses the structure, styling, or behavior your page needs. Keep the implementation focused and test it with the surrounding content.

What should I practice next?

Style a responsive card with readable type, consistent spacing, a clear focus state, and a layout that adapts to a narrow screen.