How to Remove the Dotted Line Around the Clicked a Element in HTML

Getting the fix in place

Now that you know how to remove focus outlines, it's important to understand the steps to ensure you're optimally implementing this change:

Providing alternate focus cues

Removing the default outline means you're taking away a key indicator of focus. To maintain accessibility standards, provide alternative cues:

a:focus {
    // Hint: I've been clicked!
    background-color: lightyellow;
    color: black;
    text-decoration: underline;
}
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Ensuring consistency across platforms

Browsers each have their own standards. What works on Chrome may not work on Edge. Therefore, ensure your changes are universal, offering a consistent experience to all users.

Keeping keyboard navigation smooth

The conventional outline plays a crucial role for keyboard users. If you remove it, set clear focus styles to ensure seamless navigation.

Using "!important" cautiously

At times, you might encounter stubborn default styles. For these corner cases, you have your decider: !important. But the omnipotence comes with a price - it may induce maintenance nightmares down the line.

a:focus {
    // Hulk smash!
    outline: none !important;
}
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Ensuring distinction in UI Frameworks

CSS Frameworks like Bootstrap push their own styles. It's vital to ensure your styles overrule them. Take control of that CSS cascade!

/* Dealing with Bootstrap */
.btn:focus {
    // Bootstrapping a Bootstrap button
    outline: none !important;
}
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The extra mile

Let's venture into perfecting the focus effect to enhance user experience and maintain accessibility standards:

Implementing consistent styles

Consistency is key! Employ consistent visual feedback through your site to keep things intuitive.

Using smooth animations

Sprinkle in a bit of magic by using animations or CSS transitions for focus effect:

a:focus {
    // Because everyone likes a little magic!
    transform: scale(1.05);
}
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Combining :active and :focus

Remember, :active is a short-lived state during a mouse click whereas :focus remains as long as the element has focus. Use them together for a more interactive design:

// Teamwork makes the dream work!
a:active, a:focus {
    outline: none;
}
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