font-feature-settings
Definition
The font-feature-settings property in CSS is used to enable or disable specific typographic features of a font. These features can include ligatures, small caps, alternate characters, and other advanced typography options that are not available in standard fonts. The property takes a value that specifies the features to be enabled or disabled, using a combination of feature tags and values.
Examples
Enable ligatures for headings:
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
font-feature-settings: "liga" 1;
}
Use alternate characters for a specific element:
blockquote {
font-feature-settings: "swsh" 1;
}
Disable small caps for a paragraph:
p {
font-feature-settings: "smcp" 0;
}
Values
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
normal | Disables all font features. |
<feature-tag> <value> | Enables a specific font feature with the given tag and value. The tag and value can be found in the font's OpenType specification or documentation. |
inherit | Inherits the font feature settings from the element's parent. |
initial | Sets the font feature settings to their default values. |
unset | Resets the font feature settings to their default values, or inherits them from the parent if no default value is specified. |
Best Practices
- Use font-feature-settings sparingly, as it can add complexity and reduce readability if used excessively.
- Always test your font feature settings on different devices and browsers to ensure that they are supported and display correctly.
- Use feature tags and values that are appropriate for the font and content, and consider the intended audience when choosing which features to enable or disable.
- Include fallback fonts that do not require advanced typography features, in case the desired font is not available or the user's browser does not support the specified features.
- Be aware that enabling certain font features, such as ligatures, may affect the spacing and layout of text, and may require additional adjustments to ensure a visually pleasing result.
Browser Compatibility
| Chrome | Firefox | Safari | Internet Explorer | Microsoft Edge | Opera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |