Is it possible to detect text overflows in HTML using only CSS?

Question

Is it possible to detect text overflows in HTML using only CSS?

Is there a way in 2013 to use CSS to detect and respond to text overflowing an HTML element? I've read about using JavaScript for this, but I'm curious if the CSS spec offers a solution.

For example, having a fixed size div like this:

<div class="smart-warning" style="width:200px; height:20px; overflow:hidden">
This is my very long text that would overflow the box.
</div>

I'd like to apply a style when text overflows, such as:

<style>
.smart-warning {
  border:1px solid black
}
.smart-warning:overflowing {
  border:1px solid red
}
</style>

It seems like a feature like this could be beneficial and almost within reach with CSS, but diving into specifications isn't really my thing. Do you think it's worth adding if it doesn't exist already?

Thank you!

html css overflow selector specifications

Answer 1

Answer №1

As far as my knowledge goes, there is no section in the CSS specification that allows for such functionality. The upcoming Selectors Level 4 does introduce several new pseudo-classes, including some handy ones for monitoring input element states, but none of them have the capability to verify if a box is overflowing. To handle this scenario, the only solution remains using JavaScript.

Answer 2

As far as my knowledge goes, there is no section in the CSS specification that allows for such functionality. The upcoming Selectors Level 4 does introduce several new pseudo-classes, including some handy ones for monitoring input element states, but none of them have the capability to verify if a box is overflowing. To handle this scenario, the only solution remains using JavaScript.

Answer 3

Answer №2

The concept of achieving this using CSS is hindered by the potential for creating paradoxes.

Let's examine this scenario:

.box {
    height: 100px;
}

.box:overflowing {
    height: 200px;
}

.content {
    height: 150px;
}

If the box is overflowing and its height adjusts to 200px, it technically shouldn't be overflowing anymore, reverting back to 100px, causing a perpetual cycle of overflow and adjustment.

Answer 4

The concept of achieving this using CSS is hindered by the potential for creating paradoxes.

Let's examine this scenario:

.box {
    height: 100px;
}

.box:overflowing {
    height: 200px;
}

.content {
    height: 150px;
}

If the box is overflowing and its height adjusts to 200px, it technically shouldn't be overflowing anymore, reverting back to 100px, causing a perpetual cycle of overflow and adjustment.

Answer 5

Answer №3

In the case that your div is intended to be just one line, you have the option of including:

    text-overflow: ellipsis;
    white-space: nowrap;

By utilizing the ellipsis property, a set of "..." will be appended to the conclusion of content that meets your width constraints (serving as a visual cue for overflowing divs.) To my knowledge, this feature only operates in conjunction with the nowrap property.

Answer 6

In the case that your div is intended to be just one line, you have the option of including:

    text-overflow: ellipsis;
    white-space: nowrap;

By utilizing the ellipsis property, a set of "..." will be appended to the conclusion of content that meets your width constraints (serving as a visual cue for overflowing divs.) To my knowledge, this feature only operates in conjunction with the nowrap property.

Is it possible to detect text overflows in HTML using only CSS?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

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