CSS if() Goes Live: Native Conditionals for Smarter Styling

Big news for frontend developers today! Chrome 137 just shipped the CSS if() function, finally bringing native conditional logic to CSS. That means you can now write styles that react to conditions like media queries, custom properties, or feature support - all directly in CSS without needing preprocessors like Sass or Less.

How It Works

color: if(var(--is-dark-mode), black, white);

Essentially, you’re telling the browser: “If this condition is true, apply this style; otherwise, apply that style.” Developers can now make responsive and dynamic layouts right in the stylesheet without extra tooling or build steps.

Practical Examples

The new if() function unlocks a lot of creative possibilities. For example, you can change styles based on screen width, feature support, or even user preference variables without extra JavaScript.

font-size: if(screen-width > 800px, 2rem, 1rem);

display: if(supports(grid), grid, flex);

background-color: if(var(--user-preference) == 'light', white, #111);

You can even nest conditions to handle more complex scenarios, like applying different styles depending on both theme and screen size.

color: if(var(--is-dark-mode), if(screen-width > 600px, gray, black), white);

Why It Matters

This is a pretty big deal because it streamlines workflows and reduces the reliance on preprocessors that many teams have been using for years. Imagine fewer build steps, less compiled CSS, and more readable, native code. It also opens doors for more creative and adaptive styling patterns directly in CSS, which could make building truly dynamic designs faster and cleaner in 2025.

Front-End Developer Excitement

Developers online are buzzing about the possibilities. The ability to apply logic natively in CSS feels like a step toward smarter, more intelligent styling without overcomplicating the workflow. People are already exploring conditional theming, adaptive layouts, and responsive tweaks that previously required extra JavaScript or preprocessor hacks.

The Takeaway

The CSS if() function may seem small, but it’s a big shift in how we think about styling. Inline conditionals let the browser do the heavy lifting, reduce complexity, and open up new ways to create responsive, adaptive designs. For frontend teams, it’s another tool to build smarter, cleaner, and more maintainable styles - and it’s exciting to finally see it live in Chrome!