No JavaScript. No libraries. Just clean, responsive, modern sliders powered entirely by CSS.

✨ Why Use Pure CSS for Sliders?
JavaScript sliders are everywhere — but they often come with:
- Heavy dependencies
- Accessibility issues
- Slow rendering or layout shifts
In contrast, pure CSS sliders are:
- ⚡ Lightweight & fast
- 🧩 Easy to integrate
- 🛠️ Surprisingly powerful with the right tricks
In this post, you’ll get three modern slider types using only HTML + CSS — no JavaScript required.
✅ Live Demo: All 3 Sliders in One CodePen
🔁 1. Auto-Playing Infinite Slider
A smooth horizontal carousel that loops forever using keyframe animations.
<div class="slider">
<div class="slide-track">
<img src="..." />
<!-- Repeat images to simulate infinite loop -->
</div>
</div>
.slide-track {
display: flex;
animation: scroll 18s linear infinite;
}
@keyframes scroll {
0% { transform: translateX(0); }
100% { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}
✅ Pros
- Auto-plays forever
- Clean and modern
- Zero JS
⚠️ Notes
- You need to duplicate the image set to simulate infinite looping
🎚️ 2. Manual Slider with Radio Buttons
Slide content by selecting radio inputs — no script needed.
<input type="radio" name="slider" id="s1" checked>
<input type="radio" name="slider" id="s2">
<div class="slides">
<div class="slide"><img src="..." /></div>
<div class="slide"><img src="..." /></div>
</div>
<div class="nav">
<label for="s1"></label>
<label for="s2"></label>
</div>
#s1:checked ~ .slides { transform: translateX(0); }
#s2:checked ~ .slides { transform: translateX(-100%); }
✅ Pros
- Fully accessible with keyboard/tab
- Clean CSS transitions
- Works well for small galleries or portfolios
🧠 Real-World Analogy
Think of it like flipping through radio stations — only one is “active” at a time. The :checked
selector handles all the logic!
🖱️ 3. Scroll-Snap Horizontal Gallery
Drag horizontally on touch or mouse — CSS scroll-snap
does the magic.
<div class="snap-slider">
<div class="snap-slide"><img src="..." /></div>
...
</div>
.snap-slider {
display: flex;
overflow-x: auto;
scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
}
.snap-slide {
scroll-snap-align: start;
flex: 0 0 auto;
}
✅ Pros
- Native scroll behavior (touch + mouse)
- Smooth UX, minimal CSS
- No JavaScript at all
🌍 Great for
- Product previews
- Mobile-friendly image galleries
- Responsive portfolios
🎁 Bonus: All in One Demo
See them all working in one clean layout:
👉 Open Full CodePen Demo →
Each slider is cleanly separated and responsive.
🧠 Conclusion: CSS Sliders Can Be Powerful
Who said you need JS for sliders?
These CSS-only sliders are:
- ⚡ Fast
- 📦 Framework-free
- ✅ Easy to drop into any site
💬 Your Turn
Which one would you use in your next project?
Got an idea for another slider or animation?
👇 Drop a comment — or remix the CodePen and share it back!
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