transform-origin
Transform and motion
The anchor point for rotation and scaling.
| How to write it | transform-origin: center; |
|---|---|
| Common values | center, top left, 50% 50% |
| Inherited | No — it stops at this element |
| Category | Transform and motion |
How to read this
- An inherited property only needs writing once on the parent — every child picks it up. Most text properties work this way.
- A shorthand resets whatever you leave out. Writing background: red alone also wipes a background image you set earlier.
- When rules collide, the more specific selector wins; only when specificity ties does source order decide.
- Animate transform and opacity for smoothness. Changing width or top forces the layout to be recalculated.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the CSS transform-origin property?
The anchor point for rotation and scaling.
Q. How do you write transform-origin?
As transform-origin: center; Common values include center, top left, 50% 50%.
Q. Is transform-origin inherited?
No. It applies only where you write it, so each element needs its own declaration.
Q. What group does transform-origin belong to?
The transform and motion group.