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Houdini API — Paint Worklet

Generate procedural backgrounds with Paint Worklets and custom properties.

houdinipaint

Learning checklist

  • Registering worklets
  • Drawing with canvas-like APIs
  • Fallback strategies

Definition

Generate procedural backgrounds with Paint Worklets and custom properties.

Syntax

Registering worklets

Example

Use the visualizer below to apply these properties and see the result live.

Deep dive

Why this matters

Principles, mental models, and debugging clues tailored to the topic.

Visual intuition

Each property is paired with motion or color feedback so you build muscle memory, not just recall syntax.

Copy-ready CSS

Controls emit exact CSS you can copy. Use it as a starter token or paste into DevTools for instant validation.

Performance notes

Learn where reflow, repaint, or compositing occurs so you avoid jank and choose GPU-friendly paths.

Accessibility first

Focus-visible, reduced-motion, and contrast tips are woven into every lab to keep experiences inclusive.

Practice

Try recreating a UI card using this topic. Toggle between dark and light modes to validate token contrast and responsiveness.

Tip: use DevTools overlays (grid/flex) plus the copy CSS button.

Interactive Lab

Houdini API — Paint Worklet — Live Playground

Edit the CSS to experiment with the concept. Styles apply live to the preview card.

Try these ideas:

  • Registering worklets
  • Drawing with canvas-like APIs
  • Fallback strategies

Play with Houdini API — Paint Worklet props

Adjust CSS on the right to see live changes.

.card { padding: 16px; border-radius: 12px; background: #fef3c7; color: #0f172a; box-shadow: 0 10px 30px -15px rgba(0,0,0,0.3); } .card h3 { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 18px; } .card p { margin: 0; line-height: 1.5; }

Related topics

Keep exploring adjacent concepts.

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Houdini API — Typed OM

Interact with CSS values as typed objects for safer runtime styling.

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Houdini API — Layout API

Author custom layout algorithms that participate in normal flow.

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