How to Style the Input File Type in Forms using CSS?

Last Updated : 17 Apr, 2024

Customizing the style of file input elements in web forms is essential to enhance the visual appeal of a website. Employing techniques such as CSS styling and the ::file-selector-button to achieve a visually appealing file upload experience. These methods allow for the customization of various design elements, such as padding, border, and font.

Approach

In this approach, This ::file-selector-button offers limited styling capabilities but works across most browsers. It targets the button that opens the file selection dialog. This code uses the ‘::file-selector-button’ pseudo-element to style the file input button in forms, giving it a green background, white text, padding, rounded corners, and a pointer cursor.

Note: Limited properties can be applied (background, color, padding, etc.). Doesn’t allow styling text within the button.

Example 1: In the below example styling the input file type in forms using the ::file-selector-button pseudo-element.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">

<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" 
          content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Styled File Input (1st Approach)</title>
    <style>
        input[type="file"]::file-selector-button {
            background-color: #4CAF50;
            color: white;
            padding: 10px 20px;
            border: none;
            border-radius: 5px;
            cursor: pointer;
        }
    </style>
</head>

<body>
    <form>
        <label for="fileInput">
          Upload a File:
          </label>
        <input type="file" id="fileInput">
    </form>
</body>

</html>

Output:

d2b75cf0-c325-485a-b127-8c7a6f324777

Example 2: In the below example Styling the input file type in forms using CSS, links the file input and custom button to event listeners, triggering a simulated click on the hidden file input when the custom button is clicked.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">

<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" 
          content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Styled File Upload</title>
    <style>
        .custom-file-upload {
            position: relative;
            display: inline-block;
        }

        .custom-file-upload button {
            padding: 10px 20px;
            border: 1px solid #ccc;
            border-radius: 5px;
            cursor: pointer;
            overflow: hidden;
            text-align: left;
            transition: background-color 0.2s ease-in-out;
            box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
            font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        }

        .custom-file-upload button:hover {
            background-color: #388e3c;
        }
        .custom-file-upload button::before {
            content: "\f0e4";
            font-family: FontAwesome;
            margin-right: 5px;
        }
        .custom-file-upload input[type="file"]
                      ::-webkit-file-name-text {
            color: black;
        }
    </style>
</head>

<body>
    <div class="custom-file-upload">
        <input type="file" id="fileInput" 
               style="opacity: 0;">
        <button>Choose File</button>
    </div>

    <script>
        const fileInput = 
              document.getElementById('fileInput');
        const customButton = 
              document.querySelector('.custom-file-upload button');

        customButton.addEventListener('click', () => {
            fileInput.click();
        });
    </script>
</body>

</html>