HTML Styles (Inline, Internal, External)
HTML styles are used to control the appearance of HTML elements using CSS.
There are three ways to apply styles in HTML: inline, internal, and external.
1. Inline Styles
Inline styles are written directly inside an HTML element using the style attribute.
<p
style="color: blue; font-size: 16px; background-color: #f0f0f0;">
This paragraph uses inline styling.
</p>
Inline Style Details
style→ holds CSS rules- Affects only one element
- Written as
property: value;
2. Internal Styles
Internal styles are written inside the <head> section using the <style> tag.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Internal Styles</title>
<style>
p {
color: green;
font-size: 18px;
background-color: #e8f5e9;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>This paragraph uses internal styling.</p>
</body>
</html>
Internal Style Details
- Styles apply to the current page only
- Written once and reused within the page
- Useful for single-page styling
3. External Styles
External styles are written in a separate CSS file and linked to HTML.
HTML File
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<link
rel="stylesheet"
href="styles.css"
media="all"
type="text/css">
<title>External Styles</title>
</head>
<body>
<p class="text">This paragraph uses external styling.</p>
</body>
</html>
CSS File (styles.css)
.text {
color: purple;
font-size: 20px;
background-color: #f3e5f5;
}
External Style Details
- Best practice for real projects
- One CSS file can style multiple pages
- Keeps HTML clean and organized
Comparison of Style Methods
| Method | Scope | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Inline | Single element | Quick changes |
| Internal | Single page | Page-specific styles |
| External | Multiple pages | Real websites |
Important Notes
- External CSS is recommended
- Avoid excessive inline styles
- Use internal styles only when needed
- CSS controls design, HTML controls structure