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Override twitter bootstrap TextBox Glow and Shadows

web-development
css-customization
responsive-design
best-practices
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Dec 2, 2024
TLDR

Prevent the Bootstrap glow effect on textboxes with this simple box-shadow override:

input:focus, textarea:focus { outline: none; /* Because glow isn't always in style. */ box-shadow: none; /* Vanishing act. */ }

This magic trick instantly removes the glow/shadow from all text inputs and textareas on focus.

For a total-free-zones from default styles, just implement the following:

input, textarea { outline: none !important; /* Glow, be gone! */ box-shadow: none !important; /* Shadow? What shadow? */ border-color: transparent; /* Who likes borders anyway? */ }

Here, the !important flag is asserting its dominance, ensuring our styles prevail.

CSS Revealed: Shadows and Outlines

Not just a flag: The power of !important

The !important flag is often treated as the troublemaker of CSS. However, here it's the rebellion we need against Bootstrap's more specific selectors.

Compatibility & Plugin Aesthetics

Changing the default look of inputs might ruffle some feathers with plugins using Bootstrap's style. Also, while compatibility is generally maintained across modern browsers, it's good to be vigilant and perform the necessary checks with older versions.

Accessible design considerations

Don't forget about our friends using no-sight navigation. Removing focus indicators without providing alternatives might paint a Picasso for their user-experience.

Class and ID specificity: Your secret weapon

Applying changes to specific classes or IDs, like .form-control and .form-control:focus, can save you from a world of style conflicts in your application.

Sharpen your styles

Glow or no-glow

Removing the glow sometimes might feel like removing the 'soul' of your design. No worries! Using rgba values for borders and shadows, you can create your own painting.

Transitions: Not just for PowerPoint

Use CSS transitions to make changes feel smooth and weaved into your UI, maintaining a seamless flow.

New tricks: Shadows come in 'inset' variant too

Inset box-shadows can add a hint of sophistication to your textboxes, while avoiding the default glow.

Cross-compatibility is the key

Don't forget about the not-so-popular -webkit-box-shadow and -moz-box-shadow. They may sound like villains, but they're your partners in crime for achieving cross-browser compatibility.

The CSS Customisation Cookbook

Targeting with CSS classes

In a large codebase, try implementing separate CSS classes for the changes. This encourages better specificity and helps rid those anxiety-inducing inline styles.

Plugin Communities: Your CSS Guidance Counselors

Stuck with plugin-related issues? A little community outreach never hurt anybody. Tap into the developer's knowledge for the best way forward.

Iteration: There's no such thing as 'done'

Once your changes take effect, get ready for a round of testing. Not just to achieve the desired look, but also to make sure everything works flawlessly.