The :active CSS pseudo-class represents an element (such as a button) that is being activated by the user. When using a mouse, "activation" typically starts when the user presses down the primary mouse button.
The :active pseudo-class is commonly used on <a> and <button> elements. Other common targets of this pseudo-class include elements that are contained in an activated element, and form elements that are being activated through their associated <label>.
Styles defined by the :active pseudo-class will be overridden by any subsequent link-related pseudo-class (:link, :hover, or :visited) that has at least equal specificity. To style links appropriately, put the :active rule after all other link-related rules, as defined by the LVHA-order: :link — :visited — :hover — :active.
Note: On systems with multi-button mice, CSS specifies that the :active pseudo-class must only apply to the primary button; on right-handed mice, this is typically the leftmost button.
Syntax
:active {
/* ... */
}
Examples
Active links
HTML
<p> This paragraph contains a link: <a href="#">This link will turn red while you click on it.</a> The paragraph will get a gray background while you click on it or the link. </p>
CSS
/* Unvisited links */
a:link {
color: blue;
}
/* Visited links */
a:visited {
color: purple;
}
/* Hovered links */
a:hover {
background: yellow;
}
/* Active links */
a:active {
color: red;
}
/* Active paragraphs */
p:active {
background: #eee;
}
Active form elements
HTML
<form> <label for="my-button">My button: </label> <button id="my-button" type="button">Try Clicking Me or My Label!</button> </form>
CSS
form :active {
color: red;
}
form button {
background: white;
}