Create a small-caps effect for CSS

To create a small-caps effect in CSS, use the font-variant property with the value small-caps. This transforms lowercase letters into smaller uppercase letters while keeping original uppercase letters at their normal size.

Syntax

font-variant: small-caps;

Example

Here's how to apply the small-caps effect to text:

<html>
<head>
    <style>
        .small-caps {
            font-variant: small-caps;
            font-size: 18px;
        }
        .normal {
            font-size: 18px;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <p class="normal">Normal text: Asia, Antarctica, Africa are continents</p>
    <p class="small-caps">Small-caps text: Asia, Antarctica, Africa are continents</p>
</body>
</html>

Inline Style Method

You can also apply small-caps directly using inline styles:

<html>
<body>
    <p style="font-variant: small-caps;">
        This text will appear in small capitals
    </p>
</body>
</html>

Font-Variant Values

The font-variant property accepts several values:

Value Effect
normal Default text appearance
small-caps Lowercase letters as smaller capitals
inherit Inherits from parent element

Key Points

  • Small-caps affects only lowercase letters
  • Uppercase letters remain at normal size
  • Numbers and punctuation are unaffected
  • Works with all font families

Conclusion

The font-variant: small-caps property provides an elegant way to emphasize text by converting lowercase letters to smaller capitals. It's commonly used for headings, abbreviations, and stylistic text effects.

Updated on: 2026-03-15T23:18:59+05:30

565 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements