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# translateZ()

The `translateZ()` CSS function repositions an element along the z-axis in 3D space, i.e., closer to or farther away from the viewer. This transformation is defined by a `<length>` which specifies how far inward or outward the element or elements move.

Note: `translateZ(tz)` is equivalent to `translate3d(0, 0, tz)`.

## Syntax

```translateZ(tz)
```

### Values

`tz`
A `<length>` representing the z-component of the translating vector. A positive value moves the element towards the viewer, and a negative value farther away.
Cartesian coordinates on ℝ2 Homogeneous coordinates on ℝℙ2 Cartesian coordinates on ℝ3 Homogeneous coordinates on ℝℙ3
This transform applies to the 3D space and cannot be represented on the plane. A translation is not a linear transform in ℝ3 and cannot be represented using a matrix in the Cartesian coordinate system. $\left(\begin{array}{ccc}10& 0& 0\\ 01& 0& 0\\ 0& 0& 1& t\\ 0& 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right)$

## Examples

In this example, two boxes are created. One is positioned normally on the page, without being translated at all. The second is altered by applying perspective to create a 3D space, then moved towards the user.

### HTML

```<div>Static</div>
<div class="moved">Moved</div>```

### CSS

```div {
position: relative;
width: 60px;
height: 60px;
left: 100px;
background-color: skyblue;
}

.moved {
transform: perspective(500px) translateZ(200px);
background-color: pink;
}
```

What really matters here is the class "moved"; let's take a look at what it does. First, the `perspective()` function positions the viewer relative to the plane that lies where z=0 (in essence, the surface of the screen). A value of `500px` means the user is 500 pixels "in front of" the imagery located at z=0.

Then, the `translateZ()` function moves the element 200 pixels "outward" from the screen, toward the user. This has the effect of making the element appear larger when viewed on a 2D display, or closer when viewed using a VR headset or other 3D display device.

## Specifications

Specification Status Comment
CSS Transforms Level 2
The definition of 'transform' in that specification.
Editor's Draft Adds 3D transform functions to the CSS Transforms standard.

## Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Edge Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support 12.0 -webkit
36
(Yes) 10.0 -moz
16.0 (16.0)
10.0 15.0-webkit
23

4.0 -webkit
9.0

Feature Android Chrome for Android Edge Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support 3.0-webkit (Yes)-webkit (Yes) (Yes) (Yes) 22-webkit 3.2 (Yes)-webkit
9.0