A reactive highlight text effect built with pure HTML and CSS that visually responds to user interaction by activating a highlight layer over the text, creating a sense of responsiveness and focus without relying on JavaScript or external libraries.
Usage
This component is ideal for interfaces where text should acknowledge interaction, such as interactive headings, selectable labels, navigation links, or feature titles that benefit from immediate visual feedback when hovered or focused.
Implementation
The reactive behavior is achieved using CSS state selectors, background or pseudo element overlays, and smooth transition timing, allowing the highlight to appear or move in response to user input while keeping the text layout intact and reusable.
HTML
<span class="text-highlight">
Interactive Label
</span>CSS
.text-highlight {
position: relative;
font-size: 14px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #FFD41D;
padding: 0.15rem 0.25rem;
cursor: default;
}
.text-highlight::after {
content: "";
position: absolute;
left: 0;
bottom: 0.15em;
width: 100%;
height: 0.45em;
background: rgba(99,102,241,0.25);
z-index: -1;
transform: scaleX(0);
transform-origin: left;
transition: transform 220ms ease;
}
.text-highlight:hover::after {
transform: scaleX(1);
}
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
.text-highlight {
color: #e5e7eb;
}
.text-highlight::after {
background: rgba(129,140,248,0.35);
}
}Notes
- Built with pure HTML and CSS
- No JavaScript required
- Visually reacts to user interaction
- Emphasizes text through dynamic highlighting
- Maintains readability during transitions
- Designed for interactive typography
Preview styles shown. Production customization recommended.
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