How to debug CSS with browser dev tools effectively

Debugging CSS can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix styling issues on your websites. Browser developer tools, available in most modern browsers, provide a robust set of features for inspecting and modifying CSS live on your webpage. Here are some tips to help you debug CSS effectively:

  • Inspect Elements: Right-click on an element and select "Inspect" to view its CSS properties and the box model in detail.
  • View Applied Styles: In the styles pane, you’ll see all CSS rules applied to the selected element, including overridden styles and their sources.
  • Utilize the Console: Use the console to manipulate CSS styles dynamically and see the effects in real-time.
  • Box Model Visualization: Take advantage of the box model visualization to understand padding, margins, and borders affecting your layout.
  • Media Queries: Check how media queries are applied to your elements by resizing your browser window and observing the styles that change.

By using these features efficiently, you can quickly identify the root cause of CSS issues and implement solutions directly from the dev tools.


CSS debugging browser dev tools inspect elements applied styles box model media queries