Can CSS `:before` and `:after` Pseudo-elements Style Inline SVGs?

Styling Inline SVG with CSS :before and :after Pseudo-Elements: A Dilemma

While CSS pseudo-elements like :before and :after are commonly used for styling HTML elements, their application on inline SVGs poses a unique challenge. Understanding the nuances of replaced elements and generated content is crucial for resolving this issue.

Inline SVGs as Replaced Elements

Inline SVGs are typically treated as replaced elements in HTML. Replaced elements are those that replace the text with an external object, such as an image or video. They are displayed as a single unit and cannot contain any text nodes.

This distinction is important because CSS generated content, such as that created by :before and :after pseudo-elements, can only be applied to inline elements. Inline elements are those that flow with the surrounding text, and they can contain text nodes.

Generated Content and Replaced Elements

The CSS :before and :after pseudo-elements create generated content, which is inserted into the element matched by the selector. However, as inline SVGs are replaced elements, they cannot have generated content appended to them. This is because the content is added inside the element, and replaced elements do not allow nested content.

Alternative Approaches

To overcome this limitation, alternative approaches can be explored:

• External SVG with Pseudo-Elements: Consider loading the SVG as an external file and using CSS to insert content into the parent element instead.
• Wrapper Element: Wrap the inline SVG in a containing div and apply pseudo-elements to the wrapper instead of the SVG itself.

W3C Proposed Solution: :outside Pseudo-Element

In the W3C document, "CSS3 Generated and Replaced Content Module," a pseudo-element called :outside is introduced. :outside allows generated content to be placed outside the associated replaced element, potentially providing a solution for styling inline SVGs. However, it is important to note that this feature has not been widely implemented and may not be supported in all browsers.

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