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How can I remove the "No file chosen" tooltip from a file input in Chrome?

html
responsive-design
accessibility
javascript
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Nov 9, 2024
TLDR

To eradicate the notorious "No file chosen" tooltip, the trick is to camouflage the input element behind CSS and utilize JavaScript for an elevated user experience. This compact code snippet unveils the mystery:

<style> /* The invisible cloak for our File Input */ .custom-file-input { opacity: 0; width: 0.1px; height: 0.1px; z-index: -1; /* Ninja Mode Enabled */ } /* The stylish counterfeit button */ .file-btn { background: #f1f1f1; border: 1px solid #d3d3; padding: 5px 15px; border-radius: 5px; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; } </style> <label class="file-btn" for="hidden-file">Upload File</label> <input id="hidden-file" class="custom-file-input" type="file" onchange="document.getElementById('file-label').textContent = this.files[0].name"> <!--"No Files Chosen", not anymore! --> <span id="file-label"></span>

By setting the opacity and size over to near-zero values, our file input gets camouflaged perfectly, meanwhile a label morphed into a button does all interaction and even displays the selected file's name!

Using the title attribute to our advantage

Thought of customizing the default tooltip content? Smack a title attribute and put whatever you want. However, to remove the tooltip, you just need to assign the title attribute an empty string or a single space. Behold, the pacesetter for Chrome's default tooltip:

<input type="file" title=" " />

This pièce de résistance sets the title to a space, essentially vanishing the tooltip. To keep the traditional file input but still ditch the tooltip text, dress it up with inline CSS to make it transparent, and voilà!

<input type="file" title=" " style="color: transparent;" />

Fashioning accessible file inputs

Custom file inputs offer a unique user experience but ensuring their accessibility is non-negotiable. Do not deny the rights of screen readers and assistive technologies which chiefly bank on appropriate ARIA attributes and keyboard interactions.

  • Describe your assassin input with aria-label or aria-labelledby.
  • Confirm your counterfeit button is accessible via a keyboard like a regular button.
  • Roll out visual feedback for interactions like hover, active, and focus.

Harnessing JavaScript

To wield greater control, summon the magic of JavaScript:

document.getElementById('file-btn').addEventListener('click', function() { // Yeah, you got clicked by an impostor! document.getElementById('hidden-file').click(); });

A custom element with an alias 'file-btn' now masquerades as the hidden file input click trigger without revealing the default tooltip. Deception, you see!

Potential pitfalls and precautions

Even with these effective methods, beware of the pitfalls:

  • Confirm all browser compatibility before diving in. Each may render a unique result.
  • Consider user feedback, it's crucial that users are informed of the file selected.
  • Stick to the safe zone and avoid JavaScript solutions that can potentially fuel security concerns.