(Compound) verb to add CSS so that HTML renders nicely

Question

Semantic HTML is the use of HTML markup to reinforce the semantics, or meaning, of the information in webpages and web applications rather than merely to define its presentation or look. (...) CSS is used to suggest its presentation to human users.^[Wikipedia]

How do we call the act of writing/creating/applying CSS to existing semantic HTML code?

The matter may be further complicated by CSS being plural (Cascading Style Sheets), so a phrase like add a cascading style sheet does not work. Note that in general (and specifiacally in the case I am asking about) only one style sheet is added – it just happens to be using the CSS format.

Example text: Michael's site followed all HTML5 recommendations, so I just had to xxxxxx it.

The verb (phrase) would be specific to CSS (as opposed to other forms of formatting), and be parallel:

Michael's shed was constructed with untreated wood, so I painted it.
Michael's replacement parts are made of steel. I galvanize them before assembly.
Michael's clothes were clean, but needed ironing to be presentable.

@Adám It depends on the context. Is it necessary to mention the technique used? If yes, I would say something like …so I just had to style it using CSS or …so I just had to style it by adding a CSS stylesheet. — michael.hor257k, Sep 26 '16 at 11:28
You could just use CSS as a verb: “so I just had to CSS it”. — Janus Bahs Jacquet, Sep 27 '16 at 07:38

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 26 '16 at 23:10

Michael's site followed all HTML5 recommendations, so I just had to style it.

This works if the context makes it clear what you're talking about. Otherwise, be more careful, e.g.:

so I just had to apply a style sheet.

Or

so I just had to create a style sheet for it. (or create the style sheet.)

For variety you could say

so I just had to create the CSS.

Or

so I just had to define the styles.

A web developer will understand you're talking about CSS. The general public will not, but with such people, if you say "CSS" or "Cascading Style Sheets", that won't help at all.

When I want to explain CSS to the lay person, I start by asking if s/he has ever used Styles in MS Word.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 26 '16 at 11:10

How about decorate.

I think this helps you solve your problem, both because the word is used to mean "add to" and it implies that the function is for aesthetics.

See the Oxford Dictionaries:

Make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.

(Compound) verb to add CSS so that HTML renders nicely

2 Answers2