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CSS: what it is and how we use it

CSS controls how a site looks: colours, type, spacing and layout for every screen size.

1. How it works

CSS is the language that adds appearance to HTML: colours, type, sizes, spacing and layout. With so-called responsive design the same page adapts to a phone, a tablet and a monitor.

2. Why it matters to a business

First impressions and usability rest on appearance. Readable type, buttons that are big enough and a clear layout decide whether a customer gets as far as calling you.

3. How we use it

We style by hand, without heavy templates, so the site holds its shape on a phone and on a large monitor and does not load code it does not need.

4. When it fits

It fits when you want a site that looks equally good on a phone and on a large screen.

5. What to watch for

Too many redundant styles from ready-made templates slow a site down.

6. In practice

We design the look for the phone first and then extend it to larger screens. We use our own lean styles, so nothing is loaded that the page does not need. Colours, fonts and spacing share one system, which makes the site feel consistent.

7. Alternatives

Instead of writing your own CSS you can use ready-made templates or libraries such as Bootstrap or Tailwind. Templates are quick to start, but the site then looks like thousands of others. Your own CSS gives full control over look and speed.

8. Common questions

Why does a site sometimes look wrong on a phone?

Usually because it was not designed responsively, with small screens in mind. On our sites we test the phone first.

Does CSS slow a site down?

Not by itself, but large bundles of unused styles do. That is why we style only what a page actually uses.

Can the look be changed later?

Yes. With well-organised CSS a few values, such as colours or the font, are enough and the change applies across the whole site.

If you need help with this, take a look at our Software development.

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