Question

While using the W3 CSS validator i get this error

Value Error : background linear-gradient(top,#fefefe,#dddddd) is not a
background-color value : linear-gradient(top,#fefefe,#dddddd)

for this line:

  background:  linear-gradient(top, #fefefe, #dddddd);

as well as:

  background:  -webkit-linear-gradient(top, #fefefe, #dddddd);

and other lines when I try to use gradient.

The gradients works, but am I using the wrong syntax?

Answer 1

CSS3 has not been finalized yet, meaning the validator is likely not validating against the latest working draft of CSS3. Also, the validator will probably not validate vendor specific css like -moz-* or -webkit-*

see the most recent draft from w3 for the specification on using linear gradients.

BTW, I believe "top" in your code should be "to top" as the direction of the gradient. Example 12 from the draft:

Below are various ways of specifying a basic vertical gradient:

linear-gradient(yellow, blue);
linear-gradient(to bottom, yellow, blue);
linear-gradient(180deg, yellow, blue);
linear-gradient(to top, blue, yellow);
linear-gradient(to bottom, yellow 0%, blue 100%);