Web/CSS/isolation

The isolation CSS property determines whether an element must create a new stacking context.

The source for this interactive example is stored in a GitHub repository. If you'd like to contribute to the interactive examples project, please clone https://github.com/mdn/interactive-examples and send us a pull request.

This property is especially helpful when used in conjunction with mix-blend-mode.

Syntax

/* Keyword values */
isolation: auto;
isolation: isolate;

/* Global values */
isolation: inherit;
isolation: initial;
isolation: unset;

The isolation property is specified as one of the keyword values listed below.

Values

auto: A new stacking context is created only if one of the properties applied to the element requires it.
isolate: A new stacking context must be created.

Formal definition

Initial value	`auto`
Applies to	All elements. In SVG, it applies to container elements, graphics elements, and graphics referencing elements.
Inherited	no
Computed value	as specified
Animation type	discrete

Formal syntax

auto | isolate

Examples

Forcing a new stacking context for an element

HTML

<div id="b" class="a">
  <div id="d">
    <div class="a c">auto</div>
  </div>
  <div id="e">
    <div class="a c">isolate</div>
  </div>
</div>

CSS

.a {
  background-color: rgb(0,255,0);
}
#b {
  width: 200px;
  height: 210px;
}
.c {
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
  border: 1px solid black;
  padding: 2px;
  mix-blend-mode: difference;
}
#d {
  isolation: auto;
}
#e {
  isolation: isolate;
}

Result

Specifications

Specification	Status	Comment
Compositing and Blending Level 1The definition of 'Isolation' in that specification.	Candidate Recommendation	Initial definition

Browser compatibility

Update compatibility data on GitHub

	Desktop						Mobile
	Chrome	Edge	Firefox	Internet Explorer	Opera	Safari	Android webview	Chrome for Android	Firefox for Android	Opera for Android	Safari on iOS	Samsung Internet
`isolation`	Chrome Full support 41	Edge Full support 79	Firefox Full support 36	IE No support No	Opera Full support 30	Safari Full support 8	WebView Android Full support 41	Chrome Android Full support 41	Firefox Android Full support 36	Opera Android Full support 30	Safari iOS Full support 8	Samsung Internet Android Full support 4.0

Legend

Full support: Full support
No support: No support