The border-radius property in CSS allows developers to create rounded corners on elements, which gives the interface a softer, more modern look. This is especially useful when styling buttons, cards, and other UI components.
Using border-radius:
The border-radius property can take one to four values, which determine the degree to which corners are rounded.
- One value: Applies to all four corners of the element. For example, border-radius: 10px; will make all corners with a radius of 10 pixels.
- Two values: The first value sets the radius for the top left and bottom right corners, the second value sets the radius for the top right and bottom left corners. For example, border-radius: 10px 20px;.
- Three values: The first value applies to the top left corner, the second value applies to the top right and bottom left corners, and the third value applies to the bottom right corner. For example, border-radius: 10px 20px 30px;.
- Four values: Each value corresponds to a clockwise angle, starting from the top left. For example, border-radius: 5px 10px 15px 20px;.
Using percentages and elliptical shapes:
The border-radius values can be specified in percentages, allowing you to create shapes that adapt to the size of the element. For example, border-radius: 50%; turns a square element into a circle. To create elliptical corners, you can use two values separated by a slash, where the first value specifies the horizontal radius and the second value specifies the vertical radius. For example, border-radius: 50px / 30px; will create an elliptical rounding.
Browser compatibility and support:
The border-radius property is supported by all modern browsers, making it a reliable styling tool. However, it is recommended to test the display on different devices and browsers to ensure design consistency.
Practical recommendations:
- Combine with other properties: border-radius can be combined with box-shadow to create spectacular buttons and cards.
- Adaptive design: Using percentages allows you to create elements that retain their proportions as screen sizes change.
- Moderate use: Overuse of rounding can reduce readability and interface feel, so it’s important to keep a balance.
Understanding and using the border-radius property wisely allows developers to create modern and attractive user interfaces, improving the overall feel of a website.