How to set a:link height/width with css?

Nailing the danger of inline a:link

While dealing with <a> elements, mastering the display property comes as top priority. Generally, the <a> tag is displayed as inline which does not respect height and width properties. By converting this property to either block or inline-block, you can assign the specified dimensions.

Picking block for vertical flow

Choose block when you want your links stacked vertically:

a:link {
  display: block;
  width: 100%; /* The link width goes full-auto, taking up the entire container width.
                 An ideal choice when you don't want your link to diet! */
  height: 30px; /* Set height as per your need */
}


Use this for robust, full-width menu buttons or heroic, standalone call-to-action links.

Inline-block to maintain the flow

On the other hand, inline-block lets the links flow within text while permitting you to set dimensions:

a:link {
  display: inline-block;
  height: 50px;
  width: 100px;
}


This is an excellent pick for links which desire to disguise as cute little buttons within paragraphs.

Tailoring a:link within navigation lists

For evenly spaced-out navigation links, play around with the <li> and <a> styles to your liking:

li {
  width: 100px; /* Dresses each list item in a fixed width. */
}

a:link {
  display: block;
  width: 100%; /* The link now sprawls shamelessly, occupying the full width of the list item */
}


Add float: left to position links side by side, but only after they’ve been promoted to block-level employees:

li {
  float: left;
}


Aligning text for a pleasant read

Consider centering the link text for more eye-candy:

a:link {
  text-align: center; /* Well-behaved link text now sits quietly in the center of the block */
}


Pay special attention to line-height when tweaking the link block’s height. Especially useful for single lines of text:

a:link {
  line-height: 30px; /* Vertically centers single-line text within the link block.
                        Because nobody likes text that hangs off the edge! */
}


Untangling with CSS specificity

Make sure your CSS selectors are taking aim at the right <a> elements:

#navigation a:link { /* A special forces selector targeting only navigation links */
  /* Your suave styles here */
}
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Be vigilant for conflict with other CSS rules that could potentially throw your styles overboard:

/* Later in the evening in your stylesheet */
a:link {
  display: inline; /* This sneaky commando operation undoes your previous block or inline-block display cunningly */
}


Remember, in the world of CSS, latecomers steal the show; the last rule trumps all!

Addressing advanced concerns

Managing whitespace

Accuracy with padding and margin can control extra space:

a:link {
  padding: 10px; /* Adds space inside the link block, because everyone needs a little breathing space */
  margin: 5px;  /* Adds space outside the link block, for smiling neighbors */
}


Clash resolution

Browser's inspect element tools can expose any intrusive styles. To call them into action:

• Right-click the link and select "Inspect"
• Probe the "Styles" pane for evidence of applied rules

Cross-browser relaxation

Different browsers might throw tantrums rendering CSS. To ensure consistent batch of cookies:

• Employ a reset stylesheet at the start for a clean slate
• Test your adorable styles across multiple browsers

Standard protocol check

For finer details on height and width handling, please refer to the CSS Visual formatting model:

• W3.org/TR/CSS21/visudet.html#the-height-property