The issue at hand concerns how different browsers handle the layering of text-decoration (such as underline) and text-shadow. In the case described, Firefox places the text decoration above the shadow, while Chrome does the opposite. This discrepancy is not necessarily a matter of one browser being definitively correct over the other (although in this particular instance, it may qualify as a legitimate bug in Chrome), but rather reflects the potential for interpretation within CSS specifications or areas that are not clearly defined, resulting in implementation variations.
To achieve consistency across browsers without relying on browser detection and conditional styling (which is generally discouraged due to maintenance complexities and evolving browser updates), alternative techniques can be explored:
Overlay Method: Utilize additional elements or pseudo-elements (::before or ::after) to manually create an underline effect, granting more control over layering.
JavaScript-Based Approach: Employ JavaScript to identify rendering distinctions and apply styles accordingly; however, this approach may prove intricate and perhaps unwarranted for solely aesthetic issues.
Simplification: Streamline the design to mitigate discrepancies, potentially by eliminating either the text-shadow or text-decoration to uphold uniformity across browsers.
An example showcasing the first technique, which yields consistent results on both Firefox and Chrome:
.custom-underline {
position: relative;
font-size: 2em;
text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px HotPink;
}
.custom-underline::after {
content: '';
position: absolute;
left: 0;
right: 0;
bottom: 0.5ex; /* Adjust as needed */
border-bottom: 1ex solid LightBlue; /* Generates the underline */
z-index: -1; /* Positions the underline behind the text */
}
<span class="custom-underline">Observe this text in both Firefox and Chrome.</span>