How to get started with Blueprint [CSS Framework]?

Question

• Is it worth adapting to a css framework or just use the css we all know?

• How to get started with Blueprint [CSS Framework]?

• Any other css frameworks which is really worth a try?

Answer 1

If not Blueprint, I recommend at least using a CSS reset file, which standardizes many default browser settings that differ across browsers; such as the Yahoo "YUI Reset CSS".

Otherwise, if I were you I guess I would just start in the Blueprint wiki and look through the tutorials. Then make something of your own!

Answer 2

To determine if it's best to use a css framework or not, you need to look at your overall web design and see how easily you can break it down into elements. If you find yourself using a lot of container divs and floating them all left or right, a CSS framework may be a good idea.

Another reason it may be beneficial to use Blueprint is that you can decrease the amount of CSS you need. Rather than creating a div id for every column or container and putting in a width and height in your CSS file, you can just use the framework and quickly assign a class.

I built Intronis.com using the Blueprint CSS framework. It worked well because it is a very clean site with common elements and it's based on a grid.

I'd use a CSS framework on a case by case basis. Let the design dictate if you use it or not. For some sites it's a good fit. For others it's not.

To get started, download it here, then just unzip the file and put it in a local test environment to try it out.

Also, make sure you take a look at the IE6 CSS included with Blueprint and take note of the .clearfix class that you can use when working with container divs and floating objects.

Answer 3

I've just written a brief tutorial on how to get started with Blueprint CSS, you might like it. http://flowdev.tumblr.com/post/1187039740/blueprint-css-to-grid-or-not-to-grid