We can style specific parts of an elements such as first-letter, first-line or even insert before/after it. For these purposes CSS Pseudo Elements are used.
NOTE − To separate CSS Pseudo Classes from Pseudo Elements, in CSS3, pseudo elements use double-colon notation.
Syntax
Following is the syntax for using CSS Pseudo elements on an element −
Selector::pseudo-element {
css-property: /*value*/;
}Following are all the available CSS Pseudo Elements −
| Sr.No | Pseudo Element & Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | after It inserts something after the content of each mentioned element |
| 2 | before It inserts something before the content of each mentioned element |
| 3 | first-letter It selects the first letter of each mentioned element |
| 4 | first-line It selects the first line of each mentioned element |
| 5 | placeholder It selects the placeholder text in form elements |
| 6 | selection It selects the portion of an element that is selected by a user |
Let’s see an example of CSS Pseudo Elements −
Example
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
p::first-letter {
background-color: black;
}
p::first-line {
background-color: lightgreen;
color: white;
}
span {
font-size: 2em;
color: #DC3545;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<h2>Computer Networks</h2>
<p><span>A</span> system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as printers is called computer network. </p>
</body>
</html>Output
Let’s see another example of CSS Pseudo Elements −
Example
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
div:nth-of-type(1) p:nth-child(2)::after {
content: " LEGEND!";
background: orange;
padding: 5px;
}
div:nth-of-type(2) p:nth-child(2)::before {
content: "Book:";
background-color: lightblue;
font-weight: bold;
padding: 5px;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div>
<p>Cricketer</p>
<p>Sachin Tendulkar:</p>
</div>
<hr>
<div>
<p><q>Chase your Dreams</q></p>
<p><q>Playing It My Way</q></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>Output
