How do I add a Font Awesome icon to an input field?

html

responsive-design

css

font-awesome

byNikita Barsukov·Oct 7, 2024

To incorporate Font Awesome icons into an input field, create a wrapper, set its position to relative, and employ the ::before pseudo-element for the icon. This methodology provides a streamlined, attractive icon within the input field that doesn't intersect with the text.

Here's an example structure:

<div class="icon-input">
  <input type="text" class="fa-input" placeholder="Search...">
</div>

And the necessary CSS:

.icon-input {
  position: relative; /* because the icon loves to be with the text */
}
.fa-input::before {
  content: "\f002"; /* Font Awesome search icon Unicode */
  font-family: "FontAwesome"; /* because we're awesome */
  position: absolute; /* talking about freedom */
  left: 10px; /* a bit of privacy, please */
  top: 50%; /* center stage! */
  transform: translateY(-50%); /* perfect shot */
}
.fa-input {
  padding-left: 30px; /* icon needs personal space */
}

Don't forget to initialize Font Awesome within your HTML head:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v5.8.2/css/all.css">

Enhancing icon capabilities

Incorporating interaction with JavaScript

Events can be triggered by Font Awesome icons, so consider upping your game with a dash of JavaScript. For instance, you can activate a search when a user clicks on the icon:

document.querySelector('.fa-input').addEventListener('click', function() {
  // Searches the way Sherlock does. Brilliant!
});

Leveraging Font Awesome unicode

The unicode of Font Awesome can be employed in input field values, particularly for specific form controls or when the form data must include an icon's character code.

Implementing advanced overlay with z-index

When you need to overlay an icon on top of a complex background, use the superhero of CSS: z-index. This will ensure the icon politely stays on top:

.fa-input::before {
  /* Drama, suspense, action! */
  z-index: 10;
}

Mastering layout and compatibility

Positioning icons inside buttons

Solid visual harmony can be achieved when your icon is masterfully aligned with adjacent text, particularly when using a Font Awesome icon within a <button type="submit">.

Safeguarding placeholder text

Your placeholder text should be informative to guide users effectively. Use the readonly attribute to prevent input editing, while still permitting user interaction with the icon.

Consistency is key

Font Awesome icons can replace traditional images, ensuring uniform styling and vector quality across all resolutions.

Untangling CSS style conflicts

View style conflicts as opportunities, not obstacles. Detect overriding styles and elegantly solve them to avoid disrupting the appearance of your icons.

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