How do I style a focusable element using CSS?
Alex K
alex k profile pic

To style a focusable element using CSS, you can utilize the:focus pseudo-class selector. This selector allows you to target an element when it receives focus, typically through keyboard navigation or when clicked. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this: 1. HTML Markup: Start by creating the HTML markup for the focusable element. It can be an input field, button, link, or any other element that can receive focus. For example, let's consider a button:

1
2
  <button class="focusable-button">Click Me</button>
   

In this example, we have a button element with the class"focusable-button". You can apply the class to any focusable element you want to style. 2. CSS Styling: Apply CSS styles to the focusable element using the:focus pseudo-class selector:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
 .focusable-button {
     /* Styles for the button in the normal state */
   }

   .focusable-button:focus {
     /* Styles for the button when it receives focus */
   }
   

In this example, the.focusable-button class represents the styles for the button in its normal state. You can apply any desired styles to match your design requirements. The.focusable-button:focus selector targets the button when it receives focus. Here, you can define specific styles to be applied when the element is in focus, such as changing the background color, adding a box shadow, or modifying the border. 3. Customization: Customize the CSS styles within the.focusable-button:focus selector to achieve the desired visual effect when the element is in focus. You can experiment with various properties, such as background color, border, outline, box shadow, or any other visual changes that suit your design. For example:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
 .focusable-button:focus {
     outline: none; /* Remove default focus outline */
     background-color: #f0f0f0; /* Change background color */
     border: 2px solid #ff0000; /* Add a border */
     box-shadow: 0 0 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3); /* Apply a box shadow */
   }
   

In this example, we remove the default focus outline by settingoutline: none, change the background color to#f0f0f0, add a red border withborder: 2px solid #ff0000, and apply a box shadow withbox-shadow: 0 0 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3). 4. Testing: Test the focusable element by interacting with it, either by using the keyboard to navigate to it or by clicking on it. The specified styles for the:focus pseudo-class selector should be applied when the element receives focus. By following these steps and utilizing the:focus pseudo-class selector, you can style a focusable element using CSS. Customize the styles within the:focus selector to achieve the desired visual effect when the element is in focus, making it visually distinctive and providing a clear indication of user interaction.