This is an experimental technology
Because this technology's specification has not stabilized, check the compatibility table for usage in various browsers. Also note that the syntax and behavior of an experimental technology is subject to change in future versions of browsers as the specification changes.
The initial-letter CSS property specifies styling for dropped, raised, and sunken initial letters.
/* Keyword values */
initial-letter: normal;
/* Numeric values */
initial-letter: 1.5; /* Initial letter occupies 1.5 lines */
initial-letter: 3.0; /* Initial letter occupies 3 lines */
initial-letter: 3.0 2; /* Initial letter occupies 3 lines and
sinks 2 lines */
/* Global values */
initial-letter: inherit;
initial-letter: initial;
initial-letter: unset;
| Initial value | normal |
|---|---|
| Applies to | ::first-letter pseudo-elements and inline-level first child of a block container |
| Inherited | no |
| Media | visual |
| Computed value | as specified |
| Animation type | discrete |
| Canonical order | the unique non-ambiguous order defined by the formal grammar |
Syntax
The keyword value normal, or a <number> optionally followed by an <integer>.
Values
normal- No special initial-letter effect. Text behaves as normal.
<number>- Defines the size of the initial letter, in terms of how many lines it occupies. Negative values are not allowed.
<integer>- Defines the number of lines the initial letter should sink when the size of it is given. Values must be greater than zero. If omitted, it duplicates the size value, floored to the nearest positive whole number.
Formal syntax
normal | [ <number> <integer>? ]
Example
CSS content
.normal {
initial-letter: normal;
}
.onefive {
initial-letter: 1.5;
}
.three {
initial-letter: 3.0;
}
HTML content
<p class="normal">Initial letter is normal</p> <p class="onefive">Initial letter occupies 1.5 lines</p> <p class="three">Initial letter occupies 3 lines</p>
Output
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| CSS Inline Layout The definition of 'initial-letter' in that specification. |
Working Draft | Initial definition |
Browser compatibility
| Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | No support | No support[1] | No support | No support | AppleWebKit/603 |
| Feature | Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | IE Mobile | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | No support | No support[1] | No support | No support | No support |
[1] This feature is not implemented yet. See bug 1223880.