# Critical CSS

The styles needed for the first screen, inlined so it shows fast.

## What is **critical CSS**?

**Critical CSS** is the small set of styles needed for the first screen, put straight into the page so it shows fast while the rest loads.

```html
<head>
  <style>/* header and hero styles only */</style>
  <link rel="stylesheet" href="site.css" media="print" onload="this.media='all'">
</head>
```

Level: Master · [More CSS terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/css/master)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/critical-css