CSS Naming Conventions in 2023

CSS Naming Conventions in 2023

CSS naming conventions are a set of guidelines used to create consistent, readable, and reusable code.


In recent years, there has been a lot of debate around the best naming conventions to use. In 2023, we are seeing a shift towards more modular and flexible naming conventions, as well as a greater focus on accessibility.

CSS naming conventions in 2023

Here are some of the most popular CSS naming conventions in 2023.

BEM (Block Element Modifier)

BEM is a popular naming convention that uses a naming structure to describe components in a way that is easy to understand and maintain. It consists of three parts: the block, the element, and the modifier. The block is the main component, the element is a part of the block, and the modifier changes the style of the block or element. BEM naming conventions are easy to read, and make it simple to understand how components relate to each other.

SMACSS (Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS)

Another popular naming convention is SMACSS. SMACSS focuses on scalability and modularity. It uses a five-category naming structure to categorize CSS selectors based on their role in the website’s design. The five categories are base, layout, module, state, and theme. SMACSS is flexible and scalable, making it easy to maintain and update your codebase as your website grows.

Atomic CSS

Atomic CSS is a naming convention that focuses on building a library of single-purpose classes that can be combined to create complex styles. Classes are named after the properties they modify, such as .text-center or .bg-red. Atomic CSS is flexible and creates a wide range of styles. It also reduces the amount of CSS code that needs to be written, making it easier to maintain and update.

ITCSS (Inverted Triangle CSS)

ITCSS is a naming convention that uses a layered structure to organize CSS code. It is based on the idea that CSS code should be organized based on its specificity, with more specific styles being defined later in the code. This naming convention is flexible and suits any project, making it a popular choice for many developers.

Accessibility in CSS Naming Conventions

Accessibility is an important consideration when choosing a CSS naming convention. In 2023, there is a greater focus on making websites accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes using semantic HTML and making sure that CSS code is easy to understand and maintain.

When choosing a CSS naming convention, it’s important to consider how accessible your code will be. This means using clear and descriptive class names, avoiding abbreviations, and making sure that your code is easy to read and maintain.