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How to increase space between dotted border dots

html
responsive-design
css3
dom-manipulation
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Dec 25, 2024
TLDR

You can adjust the spacing in a dotted border by utilizing the power of CSS linear-gradient in your favor:

.element { background-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 75%, red 75%), linear-gradient(0deg, transparent 75%, red 75%); background-size: 4px 4px; background-position: 0 0, 2px 2px; }

In this example, modify the background-size and the percentage values in the gradient to change the size and spacing of your dots. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Mastering the art of CSS

Controlling dot size and spacing

Taking your CSS manipulation a notch higher, here are some useful properties:

  • background-size: Don't like the room between our dot friends? Change this!
  • background-position: Want to give your floated elements a unique finish? Use this.
  • border-image: Feeling the need for sophisticated control? You've met your match!

Expanding designs using pseudo elements

The ::before and ::after pseudo elements offer a creative approach to personalizing border styles:

  • content property: Feeling the artist within you? Use empty content to display fancy elements around the border.
  • Transformations: Make your dotted borders go vertical with slightly dramatic CSS3 rotations. Who wants to play straight anyway?

Spicing it up with JavaScript

Give DOM a nudge with JavaScript when CSS isn't enough:

  • Event listeners: How about changing border styles in real-time when users interact with your page?
  • DOM manipulation: Add or modify element styles to make your dotted borders come alive!

Taking it up a notch with typography

Spruce up your space between border dots with some typography tricks:

  • letter-spacing: Use this in your ::after pseudo-element for enhancing spacing effect in inline elements.
  • text-shadow: Add some subtle shadows to your dotted borders for a larger-than-life feel.

Bordering around rounded elements

For elements flaunting rounded corners:

  • Use multiple backgrounds: Create intricate border effects and make those corners stand out.
  • Work the overflow: hidden; right: And voila! You've kept your design intact.

Play in the border sandbox

Feeling adventurous? Try these interactive online tools:

  • Dashed border generator: Jam live with your customizations and witness visual feedback.
  • Fire up Codepen and JSFiddle: These are your sandboxes to refine your border designs. Don't forget to check our shared JSFiddle link.

Creating borders for a rich UX/UI

When designing borders, keep in mind:

  • Aesthetics: Your dotted borders should be wallflowers, not the party crashers.
  • Usability: Make sure your borders guide the user's eye and don't turn into visual noise.