The Digital Press

Tufte CSS is a web styling toolkit inspired by Edward Tufte’s print design principles, emphasizing simplicity, sidenotes, integrated graphics, and careful typography. It adapts Tufte’s ideas for the web, providing a starting point rather than a strict design template.

Why it matters: Tufte CSS helps create readable, elegant web articles using proven print design techniques adapted for digital formats.

The big picture: The project acknowledges the web’s unique nature and encourages flexible use of Tufte’s print ideas rather than exact replication.

The other side: Some users criticize the default font choices, narrow typography, and design decisions like reduced contrast, suggesting alternative implementations.

Commenters say: Opinions vary—some appreciate the minimalist, thoughtful design approach, while others find the font and styling dated or less readable, noting repeated reposting and alternatives.