Possible to associate label with checkbox without using "for=id"?

Empowering usability with CSS

Straightforward association of the label with the checkbox is half the battle. The other half entails improving the user experience using some smart CSS:

• Make your labels shouting click me by incorporating the hand cursor icon:

  label {
    cursor: pointer; /* hand cursor on hover */
  }
  

• Dress up labels of checked checkboxes in bold, using CSS sibling selectors:

  input[type="checkbox"]:checked + label {
    font-weight: bold; /* Bold checked labels */
  }
  

• Send the checkbox outside screen real estate while maintaining its bound connection with the label, useful in mimicking custom checkbox designs:

  input[type="checkbox"] {
    position: absolute;
    left: -9999px; /* Checkbox plays hide and seek */
  }
  

Tailoring custom checkbox designs

Maybe standard checkboxes don't blend well with your web interface design, and you want more control:

• Use pseudo-elements or images as artistic replacements for checkboxes.

• Marry a concealed checkbox with sleek label stylings:

  <label>
    <input type="checkbox" style="position: absolute; left: -9999px;">
    <span class="custom-checkbox"></span> Check me
  </label>
  

  .custom-checkbox {
    display: inline-block;
    width: 15px;
    height: 15px;
    background: url('checkbox-unchecked.svg') no-repeat; /* Custom checkbox avant-check */
    cursor: pointer;
  }
  input[type="checkbox"]:checked + .custom-checkbox {
    background: url('checkbox-checked.svg') no-repeat; /* Custom checkbox post-check */
  }
  

Making sense of the name attribute

For label-checkbox association, the name attribute is of no significance, but it's the cornerstone for grouping checkboxes. When checkboxes share the same name, they form an exclusive club:

<form>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="interests" value="coding"> Coding</label>
  <label><input type="checkbox" name="interests" value="design"> Design</label>
</form>


Here, the server receives an array of the user's interests, inferred from their checkbox selections.

Fostering accessibility

Implicit labeling serves non-assistive users just fine, but it may fall short when it comes to accessibility. Therefore, whenever possible, use the for attribute:

• Screen readers can then understand the bond between the label and the checkbox more easily.
• Certain assistive technologies rely on this explicit relationship to perform flawlessly.

Tackling browser compatibility

A diverse range of browsers interpret your custom controls in their unique ways. Hence:

• Test your website on different browsers, like IE, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.
• Ensure consistent experience for both mouse and keyboard users.

Consider using Can I use... or similar tools to verify the support for specific CSS properties and HTML elements.

Testing the functionality

Execution of the solution is only valid if it holds up under real-world conditions. Take steps to:

• Build a prototype of your form.
• Evaluate it in a variety of environments- different devices and browsers.
• Employ JsFiddle or other such platforms to validate your solution and get constructive feedback.

Performing comprehensive testing before deployment can help you circumvent unforeseen usability predicaments.