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.

/* Selects any <a> that is being activated */ a:active {   color: red; } 

:active

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.

/* Selects any <a> that is being activated */ a:active {   color: red; } 

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, CSS3 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

a:link { color: blue; }          /* Unvisited links */ a:visited { color: purple; }     /* Visited links */ a:hover { background: yellow; }  /* Hovered links */ a:active { color: red; }         /* Active links */  p:active { background: #eee; }   /* Active paragraphs */ 

Result

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; } 

Result

Specifications

Specification
HTML Standard # selector-active
Selectors Level 4 # the-active-pseudo

See also

Link-related pseudo-classes: :link, :visited, and :hover Select your preferred language English (US)DeutschEspañolFrançais日本語한국어PolskiPortuguês (do Brasil)Русский中文 (简体) Change language