Solving the text-overflow: ellipsis Issue with Nested HTML Elements

Discover how to fix the `text-overflow: ellipsis` not working in nested HTML elements using simple CSS adjustments.
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Solving the text-overflow: ellipsis Issue with Nested HTML Elements

If you’ve encountered the issue where the text-overflow: ellipsis property is not rendering the three dots (...) as expected while working with nested HTML elements, you’re not alone. This common problem can arise particularly when you use block-level elements within divs that are set up to apply ellipsis styling. In this guide, we’ll delve into the reasons why this happens and how to effectively solve it.

The Problem

In certain cases, when you apply the ellipsis overflow property to a div that contains multiple levels of HTML elements, it simply won’t work. You might notice that it displays visual text correctly but fails to show the three dots indicating overflow.

Example Scenario

Consider a scenario with two divs:

First Div: Contains text directly, with a defined width of 55px, where you can see the ellipsis.

Second Div: Has a more complex structure with nested elements, specifically <h6>, <span>, and <a>, but the ellipsis does not appear even though the visual text fits within the 55px width.

Why is This Happening?

The primary cause of this issue is due to the default display properties of block-level elements like <h6>. By default, these elements take up the full width available, which can interfere with the ellipsis functionality.

The Solution

To make the ellipsis work as intended in nested elements, you'll need to change the display property of the block-level element that is causing the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying this fix:

Step 1: Update Your CSS

You need to add a CSS rule to set the <h6> element to display: inline;. This allows it to respect the width restrictions of its parent container. Here’s how your CSS will look:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Adjust Your HTML Structure

Here's how your HTML should be structured with the above changes applied:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Recap of Changes

CSS Update: Set <h6> to display: inline;.

HTML Structure: Ensure that the nested elements are correctly implemented under the .ellipsis-children class.

Conclusion

By following these simple adjustments to your CSS, you can ensure that the text-overflow: ellipsis property works even when you're dealing with nested HTML structures. This will enhance the usability and aesthetic of your web applications, making sure users are aware when content is overflowing.

Remember, troubleshooting CSS can occasionally be tricky, but understanding the display properties of HTML elements is key to resolving many common issues. Happy coding!