CSS Scroll Snap Generator

Generate CSS scroll snap container and child CSS — including scroll-snap-type, scroll-snap-align, and scroll-padding — with a live scrollable demo so you can see snapping in action before copying the code. Works for carousels, full-page scrolling, and paginated layouts.

How to use the CSS Scroll Snap Generator

1. Choose the scroll axis: x for a horizontal carousel, y for vertical page sections, or both. 2. Set snap type: mandatory always snaps to the nearest snap point after any scroll; proximity only snaps when the finger/scroll is already close to a snap point. 3. Set snap align: start aligns the leading edge of each item to the scroll padding; center is ideal for full-width carousels where items are centered; end aligns the trailing edge. 4. Scroll padding offsets the snap point from the container edge — useful for fixed headers. 5. Gap is the CSS gap between items. 6. Click Generate & Preview — scroll the live demo to see snapping, then copy the CSS.

CSS Scroll Snap — native carousel snapping without JavaScript

CSS Scroll Snap (CSS Scroll Snap Module Level 1) is a set of properties that constrain scrolling so the viewport or scroll container "snaps" to defined positions after the user stops scrolling. It eliminates the need for JavaScript-based carousel libraries for the common case of full-page sections and horizontal card sliders.

The two key properties are scroll-snap-type (on the container) and scroll-snap-align (on each child). scroll-snap-type: x mandatory means the container scrolls horizontally and always lands on a snap point. scroll-snap-align: start on each child means the left edge of the child is the snap point. scroll-padding on the container and scroll-margin on children let you fine-tune the snap position — e.g., scroll-padding-top: 64px to account for a fixed header.

Scroll snap is supported in all major browsers (Baseline 2020) and has no JavaScript dependency, making it ideal for performance-sensitive carousels. For complex behaviors like autoplay, keyboard navigation, or pagination indicators, a small amount of JavaScript is still needed, but the core snapping mechanic is handled entirely in CSS.

Common use cases

  • Horizontal card carousels — snap each card to the start of the container for a swipeable image or product gallery with no JS library.
  • Full-page vertical sections — use scroll-snap-type: y mandatory so each section snaps to fill the viewport, like a presentation or landing page.
  • Paginated content — snap to pages of a long list or table with scroll-snap-align: start and scroll-padding-top matching any sticky header height.
  • Onboarding flows — horizontal steps that snap to each step, guiding the user through a setup wizard with a swipe gesture.
  • Scroll-driven animation anchors — combine scroll snap with scroll-driven animations to trigger reveals precisely when a snapped item is in view.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between mandatory and proximity snap?
Mandatory always snaps to the nearest snap point after scrolling ends, even if the user barely moved. Proximity only snaps if the container is close enough to a snap point — the browser decides the threshold. Mandatory is more predictable for carousels; proximity is better for long pages where you want snap points only as hints.

How do I add space for a fixed header with scroll snap?
Set scroll-padding-top on the container equal to the header height. This offsets the snap point so content is not hidden behind the fixed header after snapping.

Does scroll snap work with CSS Grid and Flexbox?
Yes — the container can use display: flex, display: grid, or any other layout model. The scroll-snap-type on the container and scroll-snap-align on children work regardless of how children are laid out.

Can I snap to specific items programmatically?
Use element.scrollIntoView({ behavior: "smooth" }) or set scrollLeft / scrollTop on the container. The browser will snap to the nearest snap point after the programmatic scroll ends, so snapping still activates.

Does scroll-snap-type: both snap in both axes simultaneously?
It allows snapping in both axes, but browsers may limit simultaneous two-axis snapping for usability. It is primarily useful for grid-like scroll areas (e.g., a spreadsheet-style layout) rather than most common UI patterns.