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CSS Search Bar

Styling a Search Bar

CSS search bar styles inputs with focus states for usability.

Introduction to CSS Search Bars

CSS search bars are a common feature on websites, allowing users to search for content efficiently. By styling these search bars, you can improve their usability and make them visually appealing. In this guide, we will explore how to apply styles to search bar inputs, focusing on enhancing their appearance and functionality with CSS.

Basic Structure of a Search Bar

A simple search bar is typically composed of an HTML <input> element of type "search". Below is a basic example of a search bar without any styling applied:

Styling the Search Bar

To enhance the appearance of the search bar, you can apply various CSS properties. Here, we will add some padding, border, and background color to make it more visually appealing:

Adding Focus States

Focus states are crucial for user interaction, highlighting the input when it's active. This can be achieved by modifying the border color and adding a subtle box-shadow effect:

Responsive Design Considerations

For a better user experience on different devices, ensure the search bar is responsive. You can achieve this by using percentage-based widths or media queries:

Final Example: Fully Styled Search Bar

Here's a complete example combining all the styles discussed, resulting in a fully functional and styled search bar:

Examples

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