What Does CSS\'s `initial` Value Really Do?

Understanding the 'initial' Value in CSS

Contrary to the assumption that the 'initial' value restores the initially rendered styles applied by the browser's internal stylesheet, it actually represents the property's designated initial value as defined in CSS specifications. This value is independent of the browser or the element to which the property is applied.

For instance, the 'display' property's initial value is always 'inline' according to CSS specifications. Therefore, 'div.initial' will display inline regardless of the element's default setting, which may be 'block' for 'div'.

The confusion around the 'initial' value arises from the misconception that it refers to the browser's default. However, this is not the case. The browser default value is only applicable in certain situations, such as when no CSS is applied or when the property is not explicitly set.

Although the 'initial' value has limited practical use, it can be useful in specific scenarios. For example, when dealing with the 'color' property, where the initial value is browser-dependent (typically black), using 'initial' ensures the use of the browser's default color. Another potential use case is for the 'font-family' property, where 'initial' returns the browser's default font, which may vary based on browser settings.

It's important to note that the 'initial' value is not supported in Internet Explorer, even in the latest versions, further limiting its applicability.

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