css @layer

CSS @layer — Organize Your Stylesheets

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Keeping your CSS organized as a project grows can get tricky fast. The new @layer rule in CSS helps you manage your stylesheets in clear, structured layers. It’s perfect for controlling how resets, base styles, utilities, and components stack in the cascade — all without weird specificity battles. In this MiniCoursey quick guide, you’ll learn how @layer works, why it’s a game changer for maintainable CSS, and how to get started today.

What is CSS @layer?

@layer lets you define named sections of your CSS that stack in a specific order. Think of it like SCSS layers or the BEM approach — but native to CSS and built into the cascade.

Basic Syntax

Use @layer to declare a new layer and wrap styles inside it.


@layer reset {
  *, *::before, *::after {
    box-sizing: border-box;
  }
}

@layer base {
  body {
    font-family: sans-serif;
  }
}

@layer components {
  .button {
    padding: 1rem;
    border: none;
  }
}

Layers apply in the order they’re declared. Styles in later layers override earlier ones if there’s a conflict.

Why Use Layers?

  • Keep resets, base styles, and components separate.
  • Avoid specificity hacks to override third-party styles.
  • Make your cascade clear and predictable.

💡 Pro Tip: Use @import with @layer to organize external CSS files into the cascade too.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Remember, only browsers with Cascade Layers support will respect @layer — check support if you have legacy users.

FAQ

Q: Does @layer add specificity?
A: No — it only affects cascade order, not the specificity of individual selectors.

Q: Can I reorder layers?
A: Yes! Declare @layer statements in the order you want them to apply.

Related Link

👉 Check out previous: CSS :is() and :where() — Write DRY Selectors

Where to Learn More

Explore MDN’s Cascade Layers guide and try layering your resets, utilities, and component styles for a cleaner, conflict-free CSS workflow.

Conclusion

Congrats — you now know how to use @layer to organize your stylesheets! Take control of your cascade and keep your CSS clean and future-proof.

✨ Bookmark MiniCoursey for more quick & free mini courses!

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