What is the :target pseudo-class and how can it be used?
Jun 22, 2025 am 12:48 AM
CSS's :target pseudo-class is used to style the target element based on the URL fragment identifier. It works by the browser scrolling to the element when the URL contains a # symbol and element id and allows a specific style to be applied to the element via :target. Common use cases include highlighting the page section after navigation, creating tabs or slideshows without JavaScript, and improving accessibility to long pages. Usage tips include ensuring that id is unique, combining transition or animation effects, switching content visibility with display attributes, and considering compatibility with older browsers.
The :target pseudo-class in CSS is used to style an element that is the target of a URL fragment identifier. In simpler terms, when you click a link that points to a specific part of a page (like #section1 ), the :target selector can apply styles to that section once it becomes the "target" of the current URL.
This feature is especially useful for enhancing user experience by visually highlighting the part of the page the user has navigated to, without needing JavaScript.
How Does :target Work?
When a URL includes a hash ( # ) followed by an element's id , the browser scrolls to that element. The :target pseudo-class allows you to apply custom styles to that particular element only when it matches the current fragment.
For example:
<a href="#section1">Go to Section 1</a> <h2 id="section1">Section 1</h2>
In your CSS, you could do something like:
#section1:target {
background-color: yellow;
} Now, when someone clicks the link and the URL becomes #section1 , the <h2> gets highlighted with a yellow background.
Common Use Cases for :target
- Highlighting sections after navigation, making it easier for users to see where they landed.
- Creating simple tabs or slideshows without JavaScript — using hidden content blocks and revealing them via
:target. - Improving accessibility , especially on long pages, by giving visual cues about location.
You can use :target on any HTML element with an id attribute, not just headings.
Tips for Using :target Effectively
- Make sure each
idvalue is unique on the page. Duplicate IDs will break targeting behavior. - Combine
:targetwith transitions or animations for smoother visual effects. - You can also hide and show elements based on targeting — for example:
.tab-content {
display: none;
}
.tab-content:target {
display: block;
} With this, clicking a link like <a href="#tab2">Tab 2</a> will display only the matching tab content.
- Consider fallbacks for older browsers if needed, though most modern ones support
:target.
Keep It Simple and Useful
:target isn't flashy, but it's a handy tool for improving navigation and interaction without relying on JavaScript. Whether you're building a documentation site, a single-page layout, or just want to guide users more clearly through content, :target can be a lightweight solution.
Just remember to test how it behaves across different screen sizes and ensure the targeted area is clearly visible. Basically, that's all there is to it — no magic, just smart linking.
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