CSS Cascade
The CSS cascade is the set of rules a browser uses when several styles target the same thing. It checks where each rule came from, its importance, context, layer, selector weight, scope, and order.
Another example
A card has the wrong color on checkout. DevTools shows that an unlayered app rule beats a layered component rule. Moving the override into a clear app layer fixes all 46 cards. The user's high-contrast rule still wins.
Main parts
- 01Origin and importance
- 02Layer and specificity
- 03Scope and order
Use it when
Check the full cascade before making a selector stronger. Set a clear order for layers and imported styles.
Do not use it when
Do not call every override a specificity problem. Source, importance, layers, or file order may decide the winner first.
Name used in code
@layer + cascade origin/importance/context/layer/specificity/scope/order Before you ship
Check content order, shared design values, component consistency, contrast, zoom, and layout changes by screen size. Verify every theme, language, and state. If there is motion, offer an equal reduced-motion experience.
Outcome: Use or define CSS Cascade to make the visual experience clear and easy to use. User context: A card has the wrong color on checkout. DevTools shows that an unlayered app rule beats a layered component rule. Moving the override into a clear app layer fixes all 46 cards. The user's high-contrast rule still wins. Design concept to apply: CSS Cascade. Why it fits: Check the full cascade before making a selector stronger. Set a clear order for layers and imported styles. Do not use it when: Do not call every override a specificity problem. Source, importance, layers, or file order may decide the winner first. Design requirements: Set the content order, shared design values, and reusable components. Define how the layout changes by screen size and state. Keep useful design choices separate from decoration. Inclusion and resilience: Check contrast, zoom, languages, themes, and reduced motion when needed. Do not use color or effects as the only way to show meaning. Acceptance criteria: The design stays clear on phones and desktops, at zoom, in every theme, and in all supported languages. Interactive states stay clear and consistent. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): A formal document may still be a draft, release candidate, or final version. Check its status and browser or platform support. Unknowns to confirm: Brand limits, amount of content, supported themes and languages, target devices, and design-system rules.
Check this request
Review the current use of CSS Cascade. Definition: The CSS cascade is the set of rules a browser uses when several styles target the same thing. It checks where each rule came from, its importance, context, layer, selector weight, scope, and order. Release checks: Check content order, shared design values, component consistency, contrast, zoom, and layout changes by screen size. Verify every theme, language, and state. If there is motion, offer an equal reduced-motion experience. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.