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Style elements with a "readonly" attribute with CSS
The CSS :read-only pseudo-class selector is used to style form elements that have the readonly attribute. This selector targets input fields and textareas that users cannot modify.
Syntax
input:read-only {
/* CSS properties */
}
textarea:read-only {
/* CSS properties */
}
/* Target all read-only elements */
:read-only {
/* CSS properties */
}
Example: Styling Read-Only Input Fields
The following example demonstrates how to apply different styles to read-only and editable input fields −
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
input {
padding: 10px;
margin: 5px;
border: 2px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 14px;
}
input:read-only {
background-color: #f0f0f0;
border-color: #999;
color: #666;
cursor: not-allowed;
}
input:not(:read-only) {
background-color: white;
border-color: #4CAF50;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<form>
<label>Editable Field:</label><br>
<input type="text" name="subject" value="Mathematics" placeholder="You can edit this"><br><br>
<label>Read-Only Field:</label><br>
<input type="text" name="student" readonly value="John Doe"><br><br>
<label>Read-Only Email:</label><br>
<input type="email" readonly value="john@example.com">
</form>
</body>
</html>
Three input fields appear: the first is editable with white background and green border, while the second and third are read-only with gray background, darker border, and a "not-allowed" cursor when hovered.
Example: Styling Read-Only Textarea
You can also apply the :read-only selector to textarea elements −
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
textarea {
width: 300px;
height: 100px;
padding: 10px;
border: 2px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 5px;
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
resize: vertical;
}
textarea:read-only {
background-color: #e8f4f8;
border-color: #2196F3;
color: #1976D2;
font-style: italic;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<form>
<label>Editable Comments:</label><br>
<textarea placeholder="You can type here..."></textarea><br><br>
<label>Read-Only Terms:</label><br>
<textarea readonly>These terms and conditions cannot be modified. Please read carefully before proceeding.</textarea>
</form>
</body>
</html>
Two textarea elements appear: the first is editable with default styling, while the second is read-only with light blue background, blue border, and italic text styling.
Conclusion
The :read-only pseudo-class is essential for creating visually distinct read-only form elements. It helps users immediately identify which fields they can and cannot modify, improving overall user experience.
Updated on: 2026-03-15T12:23:48+05:30
2K+ Views
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