CSS :selected pseudo class similar to :checked, but for
How does the CSS :selected pseudo-class work for elements, and how is it similar to the :checked pseudo-class used for checkboxes and radio buttons? What are the key differences when styling selected options using :selected?
The CSS elected pseudo-class is used specifically to target elements within a
Here’s how the elected pseudo-class functions and how it compares to :checked:
Target Elements:
- elected is only applicable to elements inside a
- :checked applies to input elements of type checkbox or radio that are selected.
Purpose:
Both pseudo-classes help style elements based on their selection state, enabling visual feedback without JavaScript.
Usage Example:
option:selected {
background-color: #007BFF;
color: white;
}
input[type="checkbox"]:checked {
border: 2px solid green;
}Key Differences:
elected only works inside dropdown menus, and not all browsers allow styling of elements extensively due to OS-level rendering restrictions.
:checked offers more consistent styling possibilities across browsers for checkboxes and radio buttons.
Practical Tips:
Because browser support for styling is limited, use elected mainly for simple color or font changes.
For more complex styling, consider custom dropdown components built with divs and JavaScript.
In summary, while elected and :checked serve similar purposes—indicating user selection—their scope differs by element type and styling capabilities. Knowing when and how to use each pseudo-class helps create better, more interactive forms with CSS alone.