How to add or remove a CSS class from an element using JavaScript?
Jul 12, 2025 am 01:21 AMTo manipulate the CSS class of HTML elements through JavaScript, the classList API is recommended. 1. Use add() to add class; 2. Use remove() to remove class; 3. Use toggle() to switch classes; 4. Use contains() to check whether the class exists. You can also set the class name through the className property, but it will overwrite the original class. When operating, make sure that the elements are loaded and be careful to avoid duplicate additions and compatibility issues.
Sometimes we need to dynamically add or remove CSS classes to HTML elements through JavaScript, such as implementing button highlighting, switching topics, expanding and closing content. In fact, this operation is not complicated, and it can be easily achieved with the right method.
Use the classList API to add or remove classes
Modern browsers support the classList
attribute, which is the recommended way to operate classes. It provides several practical methods:
-
add()
: Add a class -
remove()
: Remove a class -
toggle()
: Remove if the class exists, and add if it does not exist. -
contains()
: determines whether a class is included
For example:
const element = document.getElementById('myElement'); element.classList.add('active'); // Add active class element.classList.remove('hidden'); // Remove hidden class element.classList.toggle('visible'); // Switch visible class
This method is simple and intuitive, and will not affect other classes already on the element.
Set it directly through className (not very recommended)
You can also set the class name through className
property, but this method will overwrite all original classes of the element , so be careful.
Example:
const element = document.getElementById('myElement'); element.className = 'new-class'; // Replace all original classes
If you just want to add one class without affecting other classes, this method is not suitable. However, it can still be used in certain specific scenarios, such as completely replacing the class name.
Notes and FAQs
- Make sure the element exists before operating : it is best to wait until the DOM is loaded before executing the script, otherwise the target element may not be found. You can put the code in the
DOMContentLoaded
event, or put script at the end of the body. - Avoid repeated addition of the same class : Although the
add()
method will not report an error, if the class already exists, adding it again will have no effect. - Compatibility issues :
classList
is well supported in mainstream browsers, but not in very old browsers such as IE9 and below. If you need to be compatible with these environments, you can consider a downgrade plan or polyfill.
Basically that's it. By mastering the use of classList
, you can control the web page style very flexibly.
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