How to Create a Typing Animation Using Pure CSS (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Create a Typing Animation Using Pure CSS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating a Typing Animation Using CSS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Animations play a major role in modern web design. A small interactive effect can make a website feel more dynamic and engaging. One such popular effect is the typing animation, where text appears on the screen as if it is being typed in real time.

This effect is commonly used in portfolio websites, landing pages, and hero sections to capture user attention. The best part is that you can create this animation using pure HTML and CSS, without needing any JavaScript.

In this guide, we’ll learn how to build a simple and elegant typing animation using CSS.

Understanding the Typing Effect

A typing animation works by gradually revealing text from left to right. At the same time, a blinking cursor is displayed to simulate the look of someone typing on a keyboard.

To achieve this effect, we use:

1. CSS keyframe animations
2. The steps() timing function
3. A border cursor animation

These techniques allow us to create a smooth and realistic typing experience.

Step 1: Create the HTML Structure

Step 2: Style the Text with CSS

Next, we apply some basic styles to prepare the text for animation.

Why these properties?

1. white-space: nowrap → Prevents the text from wrapping to another line
2. overflow: hidden → Hides the text until it is "typed"
3. border-right → Creates the typing cursor

Step 3: Create the Typing Animation

Explanation

1. steps(31) makes the animation move character by character.
2. 31ch represents the width of 31 characters.

This gives the effect of text appearing letter by letter.

Step 4: Add a Blinking Cursor

This animation repeatedly hides and shows the cursor, creating a blinking effect.

Result

After combining everything, the text will:

1. Appear character by character
2. Display a blinking cursor
3. Create a realistic typing effect

This small animation can significantly improve the visual appeal of your website.