Building Retro Interfaces in Modern Web

Creating authentic retro interfaces requires understanding both the technical limitations of old systems and the modern CSS techniques that can recreate their unique aesthetic.

The CRT Monitor Effect

The characteristic look of old CRT monitors comes from several physical properties:

Scanlines

Real CRT monitors displayed images line by line, creating visible horizontal lines:

`css

.crt-container::before {

content: "";

position: absolute;

top: 0;

left: 0;

width: 100%;

height: 100%;

background: repeating-linear-gradient(

0deg,

rgba(124, 255, 124, 0.1),

rgba(124, 255, 124, 0.1) 1px,

transparent 1px,

transparent 2px

);

pointer-events: none;

z-index: 2;

} `

Screen Curvature

CRT screens had a slight curve. We can simulate this with CSS transforms:

`css

.crt-content {

transform: perspective(1000px) rotateX(0.5deg);

} `

Phosphor Glow

The green phosphor coating created a distinctive glow effect:

`css

.terminal-text {

color: #39ff14;

text-shadow:

0 0 5px #39ff14,

0 0 10px #39ff14,

0 0 15px #39ff14;

} `

Typography Choices

Terminal interfaces used monospace fonts for technical reasons—each character needed to occupy the same width for proper alignment.

Modern Monospace Options

• VT323: Authentic terminal feel

• Source Code Pro: Clean and readable

• Fira Code: Modern with ligatures

• IBM Plex Mono: Professional appearance

Color Palettes

Classic terminal colors were limited by hardware:

`css

:root {

--terminal-green: #39ff14;

--terminal-amber: #ffb000;

--terminal-white: #c0c0c0;

--terminal-black: #000000;

} `

Animation Techniques

Typing Animation

`css

@keyframes typing {

from { width: 0; }

to { width: 100%; }

}

.typing-text {

overflow: hidden;

border-right: 2px solid #39ff14;

white-space: nowrap;

animation: typing 3s steps(40, end);

} `

Cursor Blink

`css

@keyframes blink {

0%, 50% { opacity: 1; }

51%, 100% { opacity: 0; }

}

.cursor {

animation: blink 1s infinite;

} `

Performance Considerations

Retro effects can be resource-intensive. Optimize by:

Using CSS transforms instead of changing layout properties

Limiting the number of animated elements

Using will-change property for GPU acceleration

Providing options to disable effects for accessibility

Accessibility

Remember that retro effects can cause issues for some users:

• Provide options to disable animations

• Ensure sufficient color contrast

• Don't rely solely on color for information

• Test with screen readers

Conclusion

Building retro interfaces is about capturing the essence of old technology while maintaining modern usability standards. The key is understanding what made those interfaces distinctive and translating those qualities into contemporary web experiences.

The nostalgia factor is powerful, but it should never come at the expense of user experience.