:blank

This is an experimental technology
Check the Browser compatibility table carefully before using this in production.

Note: The :blank selector is considered at risk, as the CSSWG keeps changing it.

See CSSWG issue #1967.

The :blank CSS pseudo-class selects empty user input elements (eg. <input> or <textarea>).

Syntax

:blank

Examples

Simple :blank example

In eventual supporting browsers, the :blank pseudo-class will enable developers to highlight in some way input controls that are not required, but still have no content filled in, perhaps as a reminder to users.

HTML

<textarea></textarea>

CSS

textarea:blank {
  border: 3px solid red;
}

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Selectors Level 4
The definition of ':blank' in that specification.
Working Draft Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
:blank
Experimental
Chrome No support NoEdge No support NoFirefox No support No
Notes
No support No
Notes
Notes See bug 1197736.
IE No support NoOpera No support NoSafari No support NoWebView Android No support NoChrome Android No support NoFirefox Android No support NoOpera Android No support NoSafari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android No support No

Legend

No support
No support
Experimental. Expect behavior to change in the future.
Experimental. Expect behavior to change in the future.
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.

See also