Styling the text input caret

Add thickness with caret-width

Modify not only the caret's color but its width as well with the caret-width property:

input:focus {
  caret-color: green;
  caret-width: 2px; /* Thicker is better, right? 😃 */
}


With this accessory, your caret becomes thicker and gives an elegant touch to your text fields when selected.

WebKit browsers: A special case

WebKit browsers provide proprietary CSS selectors for a more tailored customization:

/* WebKit browsers welcome the golden touch */
input:focus::-webkit-input-placeholder {
  color: goldenrod;
}

input:focus {
  caret-color: limegreen;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: currentColor; /* Who said green can't rule? */
}
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Here, the currentColor keyword ensures consistency by matching the caret color with that of text.

Checking cross-browser support

Always ensure caret-color and caret-width have sufficient browser compatibility. Use resources like caniuse.com to give an overview before deploying. In case a browser doesn't support these properties, it will revert to the default styling.

Enhancing interactive elements

Exercise your styling prowess on interactive elements like a pseudo "operating terminal" to boost user engagement:

.fake-terminal:focus {
  caret-color: lawngreen; /* Let them know they're in the Matrix now */
  background-color: black;
  color: white;
}


Manipulating caret properties in combination with other elements can steer user attention in the desired direction.

Gentle transitions with CSS

Introduce smooth CSS transitions for tasteful changes in the caret style:

input:focus {
  transition: caret-color 0.3s ease-in-out;
  caret-color: deepskyblue; /* Your caret is as calm as the deep blue sea */
}
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Usability always comes first

Despite the vast array of customizations, never let your styling choices interfere with usability and accessibility. After all, a flashy caret shouldn't compromise the input's primary functions.

Extra control with JavaScript

If CSS falls short in giving you the desired customization, supplement it with JavaScript to simulate caret behavior:

// JavaScript steps in when CSS won't cut it
const input = document.querySelector('input');
input.addEventListener('focus', () => {
  // Apply your custom styles or behavior
  input.style.caretColor = 'magenta'; /* Magenta? Why not! */
});


A traditional element with a modern twist

With a customized caret, even a traditional textarea can become a point for interactive design:

textarea:focus {
  caret-color: tomato; /* Tomato soup anyone? */
}


Entering into a carefully styled textarea feels like stepping into a unique, user-centered part of your application.