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Getting started with HTML and CSS

The GOV.UK Prototype Kit uses HTML and CSS so that prototypes look and feel like real digital services. These languages form the foundation of the web, and knowing how to use them is a valuable skill for all designers.

Learning HTML and CSS will help you:

  • build realistic prototypes that test ideas quickly
  • understand how the web works, including accessibility and responsive design
  • work more effectively with developers by understanding how your designs are built

If you’re completely new to coding, don’t worry - we’ve gathered some useful and free resources to help you get started.

Learn HTML and CSS

MDN Web Docs - HTML and CSS Guides

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS

Written by Mozilla, the creators of Firefox. Good resource for digging into HTML and CSS as you grow in confidence alongside structured tutorials to help you learn.

Codecademy

https://www.codecademy.com/catalog/language/html-css

Start learning some of the basics of HTML and CSS with free access.

Books

HTML5 for Web Designers

https://html5forwebdesigners.com

HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett

https://www.htmlandcssbook.com

A beginner-friendly book that makes HTML and CSS feel approachable.