HTML and CSS form the foundation of modern web development. HTML defines how a web page is structured, and CSS defines its style. While both languages are relatively easy to learn, once you know the basics, you’ll still need to sharpen your skills with practice.
Code challenges are a great way to sharpen your programming skills and combine them in different ways. Here are 10 HTML and CSS code challenges that’ll help you take your skills to the next level. To get started, just pick a challenge, open up a workspace, and start coding.
Note that while these challenges are designed for beginners, you’ll still need to have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS. If you need a refresher, use the courses below:
1. Create a tribute page
Choose a historical figure who’s meaningful to you and create a webpage dedicated to them. The webpage should include:
- A title or heading with the person’s name
- An image of the person
- A caption for the image
- A timeline of the person’s life in the form of a list
This can be completed with only HTML, but use CSS to give it some style.
2. Create a Wikipedia page
Wikipedia is one of the backbones of the internet, and it has a relatively simple layout. Create a Wikipedia page on the topic of your choice. It should include:
- A title or heading
- A table of contents with links to sections within the page
- Superscript number links that link to the corresponding number in the reference section
- An ordered list of references
3. Create an HTML and CSS-only search results page
Create a mock Google search results page. It should include:
- The Google logo
- A search bar at the top
- A list of search results with clickable links
Here’s an example of what it might look like.
4. Create a survey form
HTML forms are an important part of many websites. Create a form for a survey on the topic of your choice.
Include a variety of answer options, including text fields, dropdowns, radio buttons, checkboxes, and a submit button. Don’t forget to add a title, and consider using CSS to improve the look of your form. Here’s an example.
5. Create a parallax website
A parallax website has a fixed image in the background that stays in place while you scroll through other parts of the page. It’s a popular effect in web design and gives an elegant look and feel to a page.
Design a parallax webpage. Divide the page into three or four sections. Set three or four background images and align text to each section. You’ll use margins, padding, and background positioning to create the effect. Here’s an example of a parallax website.
6. Create a product landing page
Many websites are designed to showcase and sell products. A product landing page needs to be attractive, informative, and easy to read to appeal to consumers. Your product landing page should include:
- A picture of the product
- A header and footer
- Columns
- Multiple sections
Consider the color scheme and ensure that elements don’t overlap each other.
7. Create a restaurant website
A restaurant website is similar to a product landing page in that it should showcase the restaurant and menu items appealingly. It’s more complex, though, with images of different foods and drinks. First, create a responsive restaurant website using a viewport and media queries.
8. Create a chessboard
This challenge teaches you how to create and format a table. You’ll also need to learn how to insert UNICODE characters.
Create a chessboard. The board should be alternating colors and an eight-by-eight grid. Here are the UNICODE characters you’ll need for the pieces.
- White King: ♔
- White Queen: ♕
- White Rook: ♖
- White Bishop: ♗
- White Knight: ♘
- White Pawn: ♙
- Black King: ♚
- Black Queen: ♛
- Black Rook: ♜
- Black Bishop: ♝
- Back Knight: ♞
- Black Pawn: ♟
9. Create an event or conference website
This challenge continues the theme of building attractive web pages. This one will include a registration button that links to a registration form. You’ll also need details and images of the speaker or performer and venue. Describe the event and include multiple sections along with a header and footer. Consider the color scheme and use fonts that are readable and reflect the theme of the event.
10. Create a portfolio website
Take what you’ve learned throughout the other challenges and create a portfolio website. The website should reflect your skills.
Include a page with your resume, work samples, a photo, and a top menu with links to an about page, contact page, and any other pages you’d like to include. In the footer, include your contact information and links to your relevant social media accounts.
Building your HTML and CSS skills
Code challenges are just one way to build your HTML and CSS skills. You can also brush up with courses like Learn HTML, Learn CSS, and Learn Intermediate CSS. These courses build on one another, though you can always jump into an intermediate class if you already have a good base knowledge of CSS.
Skill Paths are another great way to learn specific skills. Our Learn How to Build Websites Skill Path walks you through HTML and CSS, along with responsive design and accessibility. You’ll end the class with a polished website that you can use in your portfolio. We also have a standalone course on responsive design.
If you feel confident in your HTML and CSS skills, it may be time to learn another language. Our course on JavaScript builds on HTML and CSS to help you make websites even more responsive and dynamic. Once you learn JavaScript, we offer a course on Building Interactive JavaScript Websites that brings all those skills together.
Whether you’re looking to break into a new career, build your technical skills, or just code for fun, we’re here to help every step of the way. Check out our blog post about how to choose the best Codecademy plan for you to learn about our structured courses, professional certifications, interview prep resources, career services, and more.