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Introduction to CSS3

Colleen van Lent, Ph.D. and Charles Russell Severance

The web today is almost unrecognizable from the early days of white pages with lists of blue links. Now, sites are designed with complex layouts, unique fonts, and customized color schemes. This course will show you the basics of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3). The emphasis will be on learning how to write CSS rules, how to test code, and how to establish good programming habits.

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The web today is almost unrecognizable from the early days of white pages with lists of blue links. Now, sites are designed with complex layouts, unique fonts, and customized color schemes. This course will show you the basics of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3). The emphasis will be on learning how to write CSS rules, how to test code, and how to establish good programming habits.

When done correctly, the styling of a webpage can enhance your page. When done incorrectly the result can be worse than no styling at all. To ensure that your sites do not put up barriers for people with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, you will learn how to evaluate pages using the standardized POUR accessibility guidelines. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to sketch a design for a given HTML page. Using that design they will use CSS to implement the design by adding fonts, colors, and layouts. Here is a sample final CSS page: https://wd4ewebsite1css.wd4e-css.repl.co/

This is the second course in the Web Design For Everybody specialization. Subsequent courses focus on adding interaction with JavaScript and enhancing the styling with Responsive Design.

It will be difficult to complete this course if you do not have access to a laptop or desktop computer for the homework.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week One: Getting Started with Simple Styling
Welcome to Introduction to CSS3! In this course you will learn how to style your pages by taking advantage of the power of CSS3. We will focus on both proper syntax (how to write your styling rules) and the importance of accessibility design (making sure that your style enhances your site, not make it harder to navigate). It is so important that you jump in ready to make mistakes and typos in this course. The only way you will really understand the material is to practice typing it in on your own as often as possible.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong grounding in beginner-level CSS concepts
Instructed by recognized CSS3 expert Colleen van Lent
Provides a solid stepping stone for learners to develop more advanced web design skills
Course is part of a specialization in web design, indicating comprehensiveness
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials
Requires access to a laptop or desktop computer, which may pose a barrier to some learners

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Reviews summary

Solid introduction to css3 for beginners

According to learners, this is a positive introduction to CSS3, providing a solid foundation for beginners. Many highlight the clear and engaging instruction, often specifically praising the instructor's ability to make complex topics understandable. Students appreciate the practical, hands-on approach, noting that the exercises and final project effectively reinforce learning. While the course is highly recommended for those starting out, some reviews mention it might lack depth for learners seeking more advanced topics or comprehensive coverage, and a few found certain assignments challenging. Overall, it serves as an excellent first step in web styling.
Some assignments require extra effort.
"Some assignments were a bit tricky, but the explanations in lectures were solid."
"Solid intro course. ... Wish there were more challenging exercises."
"A very good first step into CSS. ... The assignments sometimes felt a little disconnected from the lectures..."
Great for beginners, but basic for others.
"Excellent introduction to CSS3! ... Really helpful for beginners."
"Good course covering the basics well. ... Definitely a solid foundation."
"Okay course, but it only scratches the surface. Good for absolute beginners..."
"Perfect starting point for CSS. ... I had no prior experience, and I feel confident to move on..."
Practical exercises solidify learning.
"Loved the hands-on examples."
"Everything is explained simply, and the exercises reinforce the concepts."
"The final step... the completion of the peer-graded project. You will have the chance to demonstrate the ability..."
"Clear, concise, and practical. The focus on accessibility was a great bonus."
Instructor explains concepts clearly.
"The instructor is clear and engaging. Loved the hands-on examples."
"Fantastic course! Dr. Chuck makes learning CSS fun. Everything is explained simply..."
"I enjoyed this course immensely. The instructor's style is very effective."
"The explanations of selectors and the box model were particularly clear."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to CSS3 with these activities:
Review HTML basics
Ensure a solid understanding of HTML tags and structure to enhance your CSS implementation.
Browse courses on HTML
Show steps
  • Review HTML syntax and elements
  • Practice creating simple HTML documents
  • Validate your HTML code using online tools or the browser's developer tools
Organize your CSS notes
Improve understanding and retention by consolidating and organizing your CSS notes.
Browse courses on CSS
Show steps
  • Gather your class notes, tutorials, and other resources
  • Sort and categorize the information logically
  • Create summaries or cheat sheets for key concepts
Practice CSS selectors and properties
Build familiarity with CSS syntax and rules to improve accuracy and speed up development.
Browse courses on CSS Selectors
Show steps
  • Write CSS rules to style text, links, and headings
  • Use selectors to target specific elements and their descendants
  • Apply various properties to change appearance, such as font size, color, and background
  • Validate your CSS using online tools or the browser's developer tools
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow CSS layout tutorials
Learn best practices for creating responsive and flexible layouts using Flexbox and Grid.
Browse courses on Flexbox
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on CSS layout techniques
  • Follow step-by-step instructions to implement layouts
  • Experiment with different layout options and values
  • Review the code and understand the underlying principles
Find a CSS mentor
Gain personalized guidance and advice from an experienced CSS professional.
Browse courses on CSS
Show steps
  • Join online communities or forums dedicated to CSS
  • Attend industry events or workshops
  • Reach out to CSS developers on social media or through email
  • Ask your instructor or colleagues for recommendations
Create a CSS style guide
Develop a personalized style guide to ensure consistency and maintainability in your CSS projects.
Browse courses on CSS Best Practices
Show steps
  • Gather relevant CSS resources and best practices
  • Establish naming conventions, color palettes, and typography rules
  • Document your style guide and share it with your team
  • Use the style guide as a reference when writing CSS code
Build a personal website
Apply your CSS skills to create a practical project and showcase your abilities.
Show steps
  • Plan the website's structure and content
  • Implement the layout and styling using CSS
  • Add interactive elements and functionality
  • Test the website's responsiveness and accessibility
  • Deploy the website and share it with others
Contribute to a CSS open-source project
Enhance your CSS skills and make a real-world contribution by working on open-source CSS projects.
Browse courses on CSS
Show steps
  • Find a suitable CSS project on platforms like GitHub
  • Review the project's documentation and code
  • Identify areas where you can make improvements or add new features
  • Implement your changes and submit a pull request
  • Receive feedback from the project maintainers and collaborate on improving your contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to CSS3 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Web Designer
As a Web Designer, you will be responsible for the overall look and feel of a website. This will include using CSS to style the website and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can help you build a strong foundation in CSS, which is an essential skill for Web Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Front-End Developer
In the role of a Front-End Developer, you will be responsible for the visual and interactive elements of a website. This will include using CSS to style the website and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can help you build a solid foundation in CSS, which is an essential skill for Front-End Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer
Web Developer
In the role of a Web Developer, you will be expected to turn website designs into functional, interactive websites. This will include applying CSS to enhance the visual elements of the site, such as colors, fonts, and layouts. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can help you build a foundation in CSS, which is an essential skill for Web Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Interaction Designer
In the role of an Interaction Designer, you will be responsible for designing the user experience of a website or application. This will include using CSS to style the interface and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can help you build a foundation in CSS, which is a valuable skill for Interaction Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer
UI Designer
As a UI Designer, you will be responsible for designing the user interface of a website or application. This will include using CSS to style the interface and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can help you build a foundation in CSS, which is a valuable skill for UI Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for UI Designer
UX Designer
As a UX Designer, your focus will be on the user experience of a website or application. This will include ensuring that the site is easy to navigate and visually appealing. CSS is a valuable tool for UX Designers, as it allows them to control the look and feel of a website. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in CSS, allowing you to enhance your UX designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Product Designer
In the role of a Product Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing digital products. This may include working with a team of engineers and designers to create products that are both visually appealing and functional. CSS can be a useful tool for Product Designers, as it allows them to control the look and feel of their products. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a foundational understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a Product Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Graphic Designer
In the role of a Graphic Designer, you will be responsible for creating visual concepts and designing visual elements. This may include creating graphics for websites, social media, or print. CSS can be a useful tool for Graphic Designers, as it allows them to control the look and feel of their designs. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can help provide you with a foundational understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a Graphic Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Art Director
As an Art Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of a project. This may include working with designers, photographers, and illustrators to create a cohesive visual identity. CSS can be a useful tool for Art Directors, as it allows them to control the look and feel of a website or application. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as an Art Director.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
UX Researcher
As a UX Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research to understand the needs of users. This may include using CSS to create prototypes and mockups of websites and applications. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a UX Researcher.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Researcher
Software Engineer
In the role of a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. This may include using CSS to style the user interface of the application. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a Software Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Creative Director
As a Creative Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the creative vision of a project. This may include working with a team of designers, writers, and developers to create a cohesive and visually appealing product. CSS can be a useful tool for Creative Directors, as it allows them to control the look and feel of a website or application. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a Creative Director.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director
Information Architect
As an Information Architect, you will be responsible for organizing and structuring the content of a website or application. This will include using CSS to style the content and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as an Information Architect.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect
Content Strategist
As a Content Strategist, you will be responsible for planning and creating content for a website or application. This may include using CSS to style the content and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a Content Strategist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing documentation for software and other technical products. This may include using CSS to style the documentation and make it visually appealing. In this course, Introduction to CSS3, you will learn the basics of CSS, including how to write CSS rules, test code, and establish good programming habits. This course can provide you with a basic understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial in your role as a Technical Writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to CSS3.
Cover image
CSS: The Definitive Guide
Save
Is widely considered the most authoritative and comprehensive guide to CSS. It covers everything from the basics of CSS to advanced techniques.
CSS: The Definitive Guide: Web Layout and...
Paperback
$$$
CSS: The Definitive Guide: Visual Presentation for...
Paperback
$$$
CSS: The Definitive Guide
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Web Standards Creativity
Save
This contemporary resource provides in-depth instruction on CSS best practices and techniques. It can enhance your understanding of CSS3 fundamentals and delve into advanced CSS3 techniques covered in the course.
Web Standards Creativity: Innovations in Web Design...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Table Layout in CSS
Save
This widely renowned reference book provides a comprehensive overview of CSS3 and its applications. It serves as an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced CSS professionals.
Table Layout in CSS: CSS Table Rendering in Detail
Paperback
$
Table Layout in CSS: CSS Table Rendering in Detail
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
CSS in Depth, Second Edition
Save
This detailed guide offers a comprehensive exploration of CSS3, covering advanced topics such as layout, typography, and animation. It provides a deeper understanding of CSS principles and techniques.
CSS in Depth, Second Edition
Paperback
Check
CSS in Depth, Second Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS
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This practical guide combines HTML5 and CSS3 to provide a comprehensive understanding of responsive web design. It complements the course's focus on CSS3 by exploring its application in creating responsive websites.
Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS - Fourth...
Paperback
$$
Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS: Develop...
Paperback
$$
Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS: Build...
Kindle Edition
$$
Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS: Develop...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
CSS Secrets
Save
Offers a collection of practical tips and tricks for resolving common CSS design challenges. It provides valuable insights and solutions that enhance the course's focus on effective CSS implementation.
CSS Secrets
Paperback
Check
CSS Secrets
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
CSS Mastery
Save
Offers a thorough exploration of advanced CSS techniques and best practices. It provides valuable insights and expands on the concepts covered in the course, helping to deepen your understanding of CSS3.
CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions
Kindle Edition
$$
CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Designing with Web Standards
Save
This classic guide provides a comprehensive overview of web design standards and best practices. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of web design and accessibility, complementing the course's emphasis on accessibility.
Designing With Web Standards
Paperback
$$
Designing With Web Standards
Paperback
$
Designing with Web Standards (2nd Edition)
Paperback
$$
Designing with Web Standards (Voices That Matter)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The New CSS Layout
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to CSS Grid Layout, a powerful layout system introduced in CSS3. While the course does not cover Grid Layout in detail, this book can be a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about this advanced CSS3 technique.
The New CSS Layout
Paperback
Check
The New CSS Layout
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructors
Colleen van Lent, Ph.D.
Charles Russell Severance
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Web Design for Everybody Capstone
  2. Advanced Styling with Responsive Design
  3. Introduction to CSS3 (viewing)
  4. Interactivity with JavaScript
  5. Introduction to HTML5
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong grounding in beginner-level CSS concepts
Instructed by recognized CSS3 expert Colleen van Lent
Provides a solid stepping stone for learners to develop more advanced web design skills
Course is part of a specialization in web design, indicating comprehensiveness
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials
Requires access to a laptop or desktop computer, which may pose a barrier to some learners
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