Styling Options Can Be Challenging
The difficulty in styling options lies in the fact that they rely on the operating system for generation rather than being generated solely by the browser like most other HTML elements on a website.
As a result, file upload form field 'submit' buttons do not adhere to the same styling rules as other submit buttons on a form.
You can find more information here about the limited and inconsistent possibilities, along with an explanation why <option> cannot have any children (thus preventing pseudo-elements from functioning properly).
This limitation also restricts the use of icon fonts since targeting only the portion with the icon would require extra child elements.
Consider Using JQuery
There are several ways to simulate select option form fields using various JavaScript plugins that offer greater control. However, these methods come with a significant caveat. Standard select elements provide additional usability and accessibility features that JavaScript plugin developers may overlook, so caution is advised when using them.
It's important to note that replacing complex functionality with JQuery entails additional testing and development overhead, while standard select elements work seamlessly across all browsers without needing extensive testing of their core functionality. This becomes particularly crucial if you prioritize accessibility considerations.
The MDN article suggests this approach as the best solution and recommends some reliable plugins for implementation, which I endorse based on MDN's comprehensive assessment of key factors mentioned earlier.
To prevent link rot, here are two of the three recommended plugins:
UniForm
FormalizeMe
(Please note that I have not personally tested these plugins; I am relying on Mozilla's recommendation!)
Utilizing Unicode
If you intend to use Unicode characters in your option tags, ensure you:
- Use a font containing the desired Unicode characters.
- Set the charset in your documents to utf-8.
However, keep in mind that you will only achieve characters, not styleable icons, and you might be constrained to using websafe or proprietary fonts.
You can see a demonstration of this concept in this jsfiddle using the web-safe font-family: sans-serif and characters sourced from this list of commonly supported symbols from this reference site.
Concluding Thoughts
For smaller sets of options, radio buttons may be a better choice. Users can instantly view available options without having to open a dropdown each time, enhancing learnability and cognitive efficiency. The professionals at UX.SE delve into the topic further, raising additional considerations.
Your challenges could potentially be resolved by reconsidering whether <select> truly offers the most suitable solution.