Why cannot change checkbox color whatever I do?

html

responsive-design

css-transitions

browser-compatibility

byAlex Kataev·Aug 28, 2024

To change a checkbox's color, the best practice is to style a custom label since the default checkbox has limited styleability. Make use of the :checked pseudo-class and ::before element to create a custom display. Here's a quick CSS & HTML snippet:

input[type="checkbox"] {
  visibility: hidden; /* Now you see..., */
  position: absolute;
}

input[type="checkbox"] + label::before {
  content: ' ';
  display: inline-block;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  background: #ccc;  /* 50 shades of grey for unchecked state */
  cursor: pointer;
}

input[type="checkbox"]:checked + label::before {
  background: green; /* Going green for checked state */
}

<input type="checkbox" id="customCheckbox"/>
<label for="customCheckbox"></label>

In this method, hidden checkboxes are replaced with customizable squares - gray (or any shade of your choice 🎨) by default, and green when checked. Just tweak the background property to the desired color to adapt this for your design.

How to style a checkbox like a pro

Leveraging the accent-color property

The accent-color property in CSS can be the first tool to reach to change the checkbox color:

input[type="checkbox"] {
  accent-color: #e74c3c;  /* Red-dy or not, here I come! */
}

But, be cautious! Check browser compatibility before diving headfirst into using accent-color. The MDN documentation is a dependable source for the latest compatibility updates.

Grappling with browser compatibility

The accent-color property is convenient but it's not vintage just yet. For ensuring cross-browser compatibility, ye olde third-party plugins or custom element styling can be your trusty steeds.

Custom checkbox with advanced CSS

Craving for more design control? Hide the native checkbox and style the associated labels with gradients and box-shadows. For seamless visual transitions, don't forget the all-important CSS transitions:

label::before {
  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #1e5799, #7db9e8);  /* Sky is the limit */
  box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);  /* Drop shadows so real, they might fall off your screen */
  transition: all 0.3s ease;  /* As smooth as a baby's bottom */
}

Scaling and pseudo-classes for interaction

Scale the checkbox size dynamically using transform: scale() and have different styles for different states using various CSS classes and pseudo-classes like :hover and :active.

JavaScript for interactivity

To properly reflect user interaction, sometimes you need to dive into JavaScript. Bind click events to your styled elements and let the users enjoy the actual checkbox functionality.

Detailed guide to perfect checkboxes

Usability factors

Consider incorporating margin for proper spacing and cursor: pointer for the pointer-icon over clickable area to enhance UX.

Hue rotation for flair

Add some flair to your checkboxes with a CSS filter:

input[type="checkbox"]:checked + label::before {
  filter: hue-rotate(90deg);  /* It's all fun and games until someone loses a hue */
}

Smooth transitions

Once done with the checkbox styles, ensure smooth transition using CSS transitions. It contributes to more consistent visual feedback during interaction state changes.

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