Carousels with CSS: Simplifying Scroll Experiences Without JavaScript

Carousels have long been a staple of web design, but creating them often required JavaScript for functionality and accessibility. With the introduction of CSS Overflow 5 in Chrome 135, developers can now build carousels using pure CSS, simplifying the process and enhancing performance. This article dives into the new features and demonstrates how to create accessible, dynamic carousels without JavaScript. 🚀

Meet the New CSS Features

The CSS Overflow 5 specification introduces two key pseudo-elements: 1️⃣ ::scroll-button(): Adds browser-provided, interactive buttons for scrolling. These buttons scroll 85% of the carousel area when pressed, making navigation intuitive. 2️⃣ ::scroll-marker(): Creates stateful navigation markers that act as links to specific points in the carousel. These markers enhance usability and accessibility.

Building a Carousel with CSS

1️⃣ Start with a Scroller:

• Define a scrollable area using overflow-x: auto and scroll-snap-type.

• Use scroll-snap-align to ensure smooth snapping for each item.

2️⃣ Add Scroll Buttons:

• Use ::scroll-button(left) and ::scroll-button(right) to create navigation buttons.

• Customize the buttons with content and styles for accessibility.

3️⃣ Incorporate Scroll Markers:

• Use ::scroll-marker to add markers for key points in the carousel.

• Customize markers with text, numbers, or images for a tailored experience.

4️⃣ Combine Buttons and Markers:

• Integrate both features for a fully functional carousel that works seamlessly across devices.

Why CSS Carousels Are a Game-Changer

✅ Accessibility: Built-in accessibility features ensure compliance with best practices. ✅ Performance: No JavaScript means faster load times and reduced complexity. ✅ Flexibility: Works with vertical, horizontal, and bidirectional scrollers. ✅ Ease of Use: Simplifies development with intuitive pseudo-elements.

Resources and Tools

• Carousel Configurator: An interactive tool to experiment with CSS carousel features.

• Carousel Gallery: A showcase of creative carousel implementations using CSS.

Final Thoughts

The new CSS carousel features mark a significant step forward in web development. By eliminating the need for JavaScript, these tools empower developers to create accessible, efficient, and visually appealing carousels with ease. Ready to explore the possibilities? 🌟