will-change
Transform and motion
Warns the browser what will change so it can prepare; overusing it backfires.
| How to write it | will-change: auto; |
|---|---|
| Common values | auto, transform, opacity |
| 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 will-change property?
Warns the browser what will change so it can prepare; overusing it backfires.
Q. How do you write will-change?
As will-change: auto; Common values include auto, transform, opacity.
Q. Is will-change inherited?
No. It applies only where you write it, so each element needs its own declaration.
Q. What group does will-change belong to?
The transform and motion group.