# Connecting a CSS Stylesheet

CSS controls presentation while HTML provides structure.

## Connect the file

Create `css/style.css`, then add this inside the page’s `<head>`:

~~~html
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/style.css">
~~~

A relative path is interpreted from the current page. A PHP page in a subfolder may need a different path.

## Test the connection

~~~css
body {
  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
  color: #1f2933;
  background: #f7f9fc;
}
~~~

Refresh without cache if an old version remains.

## Good practice

Keep reusable rules in external stylesheets. Avoid large blocks of inline CSS and do not use colour as the only way to communicate meaning.

## Check

- [ ] Link is inside `head`.
- [ ] Path matches folder structure.
- [ ] Browser developer tools show no 404.
- [ ] Page remains understandable if CSS does not load.