Is it possible to format an HTML tooltip (title attribute)?

html

responsive-design

css-techniques

entity-codes

byAlex Kataev·Feb 24, 2025

Plainly title attribute tooltips are unstyled; For dressed-up tooltips, employ robust CSS for a custom design and engaging JavaScript for interactivity, if required. Here's a basic example:

<span class="tooltip" data-tooltip="This is a styled tooltip, look at me!">Hover here!</span>
<style>
  .tooltip:hover::after {
    content: attr(data-tooltip); /* Magic trick to fetch tooltip text */
    background: #111; /* Nobody said tooltips can't be stylish */
    color: #fff; /* As clear as a cat's meow in the night */
    padding: 4px; /* Just a tad bit of padding */
    border-radius: 4px; /* Rounding things out */
    position: absolute; /* Where'd we be without positioning? */
    z-index: 10; /* Always on top, like a cat on a freshly made bed */
  }
</style>

Adapt this skeleton framework to better suit your styling preferences!

Boosting interactivity: JavaScript and CSS libraries

While CSS brings beauty, JavaScript libraries further enhance interactivity and dynamic content. Powerhouses like jQuery Tooltip and Overlib grant customizable features, from typeface sizes to intricate styling. Integrating jQuery Tooltip is as breezy as inserting a script in your head tag:

<script src="yourPath/jquery.tooltip.js"></script>

For those seeking to forego JavaScript, CSS-centric solutions offer simplicity and versatility, acclimating the type size based on the browser's zoom degree.

Hidden gems? Yes, there are: Entity codes. Add basic format within title attribute to create a snug-multiline tooltip:

<a title="Line1&#013;Line2&#013;Line3">Free Hover, No Cover!</a>

Crafting custom and accessible tooltips

Enhancing UX with custom CSS tooltips

For an enriched user experience, ponder over CSS techniques for precise tooltip positioning and distinct styling. Here's an idea for tailoring your previous CSS:

.tooltip:hover::after {
  ...
  top: 100%; /* Your tooltip's floating right below, like a hovercraft */
  left: 50%; /* Centered, just like our life's balance */
  transform: translateX(-50%); /* Little shifts can cause big changes */
}

In-browser compatibility and customized scripting

Ensure your bespoke tooltips are cross-browser friendly. Certify implementation compatibility across various browsers, especially legacy ones like IE11, along with the usual suspects, Firefox and Chrome.

Injecting dynamism into tooltips

Dynamism is key in web applications. Use this.cells(rowId, colIndex).cell.title = 'Fresh Context'; to furnish real-time context within tooltips in grid or tabular interfaces.

Advanced formatting perks & libraries

Character escapes & entity codes

Entity codes can introduce basic formatting, while in JavaScript-assigned tooltips, good ol' \n can create structured line breaks.

Unleashing the prowess of jQuery plugins

Bringing jQuery to the party? Consider employing its plugins like jTip that offer vast customization options.

Accessible styling solutions

For a deep-dive into accessible styling, the links in the References section provide solid starting points.

Practicality first: When and how to use custom tooltips

Tailoring tooltips for the situation

While contemplating tooltip customization, reflect upon the user context. Adjust styling as necessary based on whether the tooltips serve an informational or an interactive purpose.

Syncing tooltips with dynamic web applications

In dynamic web applications, tooltips can provide contextual information or validation errors. Ascertain that the tooltips are updated in real-time to retain relevancy.