Using the Button Generator
This tool helps you visually design and fine-tune CSS buttons. Adjust the properties for the button's default and hover states and get the clean CSS code to use in your projects.
- Style the Base Button. Use the "Sizing & Text", "Appearance", and "Shadow" controls to design the default look of your button.
- Style the Hover State. Use the "Hover State" controls to define how the button looks when a user's mouse is over it.
- Test the Interaction. Hover over the preview button to see your transition and hover styles in action.
- Copy the CSS. Two separate code blocks are provided. Copy the base CSS for your button's default styles, and the hover CSS for its interactive state.
Anatomy of a Well-Styled Button
A good button is more than just a link. It's a key piece of user interaction that needs to be clear, accessible, and satisfying to use. This involves styling several CSS properties.
| Property | Role in Button Design |
|---|---|
padding | Provides breathing room around the button text, making it easier to read and click. |
background-color | The primary fill of the button, used to convey its importance or state. |
color | The color of the button's text label. Must have sufficient contrast with the background. |
border & border-radius | Defines the button's shape, from sharp-cornered to fully rounded. |
box-shadow | Adds depth and helps lift the button off the page, making it look more clickable. |
transition | Smooths the change between the default and hover states, providing pleasant visual feedback. |
cursor: pointer; | Changes the mouse cursor to a hand, which is a universal signal that an element is clickable. |
The Importance of :hover and :focus States
Interactive elements like buttons must provide clear feedback to the user. Visual changes on hover and focus are essential for good user experience and accessibility.
:hoverprovides feedback for mouse users, confirming that their cursor is over a clickable target. A change in background color, text color, or shadow is common.:focusprovides the same feedback for keyboard users who navigate using the Tab key. Without a visible focus state, keyboard users have no way of knowing which element is currently active. Browsers provide a default focus outline (often a blue ring), and it is important not to remove it without providing a clear, high-contrast alternative.
For modern, robust focus styles, you can use the :focus-visible pseudo-class. This allows you to show focus styles primarily for keyboard users, without showing them for mouse users who click the button.
/* A good practice for focus styles */
.btn:focus-visible {
outline: 2px solid #0056b3;
outline-offset: 2px;
}Accessibility Considerations
- Color Contrast. The contrast between your button's text color and its background color should meet WCAG AA standards (a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text).
- Semantic HTML. Always use a
<button>element for actions (like submitting a form) or an<a>tag styled as a button for navigation (linking to another page). Do not use a<div>, as it is not accessible to screen readers or keyboard users by default. - Clear Text. The button's text should clearly describe the action it performs (e.g., "Submit Application", not just "Click Here").