Modern CSS (2025-2026) now enables fully functional image carousels without any JavaScript. Using CSS Overflow Level 5's `::scroll-button()` and `::scroll-marker()` pseudo-elements alongside Scroll-Driven Animations Level 1, developers can build carousels with prev/next navigation, dot indicators, snap behavior, entrance animations, and a scroll progress bar in pure CSS. The tutorial covers semantic HTML structure, scroll snap setup, generating navigation buttons and dot markers via pseudo-elements, binding animations to scroll position with `animation-timeline: view()`, and wrapping all new features in `@supports` blocks for progressive enhancement. Browser support is strong in Chrome 135+ and Safari 19+, with Firefox still partially behind flags. JavaScript remains necessary only for autoplay, infinite looping, or dynamic content loading.
Table of contents
How to Build a CSS-Only Carousel with Scroll-Driven AnimationsTable of ContentsThe End of JavaScript CarouselsPrerequisites and Browser SupportUnderstanding the Core CSS Scroll-Driven APIsStep 1 — Building the HTML StructureStep 2 — Implementing Scroll Snap and LayoutStep 3 — Adding Navigation with ::scroll-button()Step 4 — Adding Dot Indicators with ::scroll-marker()Step 5 — Scroll-Driven Animation EffectsThe Complete Carousel — Full CodeProgressive Enhancement and FallbacksImplementation ChecklistWhat This Means for Front-End DevelopmentSort: