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Can a div have multiple classes (Twitter Bootstrap)

html
responsive-design
css
specificity
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Jan 31, 2025
TLDR

Yes, a div can definitely include multiple classes. Stack them up with a space within the class attribute like this:

<div class="alert info">...</div>

This example combines the Bootstrap's alert style with an info twist for creating an informative alert box.

Ensure you keep Bootstrap's predefined classes in check and be aware of their behavior when styling your divs. Also, don't include spaces before the initial class name and avoid having multiple IDs within your divs.

Specificity and Conflict Rules

CSS Class application depends on the rule of "specificity". The rule with the higher specificity will take precedence. When dealing with Bootstrap and custom styles, understanding how specificity works is crucial to avoid conflicts.

.btn-primary { /* Custom styles battling it out with Bootstrap styles. Which will win? Stay tuned... */ }

Use the browser's developer tools to inspect your elements and find out which styles are being applied to help diagnose and fix conflicts.

Custom and Bootstrap Class Combos

It is common to pair Bootstrap's classes with your custom classes. This preserves the consistency of the Bootstrap's design while also enabling a personalized design.

<div class="btn btn-primary custom-styled-button">Click me</div>

This approach keeps your design consistent with the Bootstrap's system, while also allowing some unique alterations. Imagine being the Darth Vader in the universe of Stormtroopers!

Responsive Class Combining in Bootstrap

Bootstrap enables responsive layouts through the combination of classes.

<div class="col-sm-4 col-md-8">...</div>

Here, we've defined the div to occupy 4 grid columns for small devices (sm) and 8 grid columns for medium devices (md). This flexibility lets your webpage adapt like a chameleon to differing screen sizes.

CSS Class Order of Appearance

Although the order of classes in a HTML attribute doesn't affect the CSS application, the order in a CSS file surely does. Bottom line, in a match of equal specificity, the 'last written, first served' rule of CSS prevails:

.class-a { color: blue; } .class-a { color: red; } /* Red wins finally, because it was written last */

Exploring Multiple Classes in Bootstrap

Plenty of online demos and components help show how Bootstrap classes work together. They're like a visual guide to getting the right CSS mixins and not ending up with Frankenstein’s monster!

Refer to these examples for better understanding and inspiration for your projects.