How to Properly Style svg path Elements with Multiple Colors Using CSS Variables

Learn how to effectively style SVG path elements with different colors on a single page using CSS variables instead of traditional selectors.
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Styling <svg> <path> Elements with Multiple Colors

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) icons are widely used in web projects due to their scalability and quality. However, styling them can come with its challenges, especially when it involves using multiple colors across different instances of the same SVG.

The Problem: Selector Issues with SVG Paths

You might find yourself in a situation where you want to apply different styles to SVG <path> elements but struggle to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, given a basic SVG setup, if you try to use a CSS selector like .yellow-ribbon .ribbon-color to change the color of the <path>, it simply won’t work. This lack of expected behavior often leads to frustration.

Example of the Problematic Code

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

In this case, the style intended for .yellow-ribbon .ribbon-color fails because the <use> element is not considered a descendant of .yellow-ribbon in the way CSS expects.

The Solution: Utilizing CSS Variables

Fortunately, there's a straightforward solution to ensure your SVG paths can have different color styles across your application. The key lies in using CSS variables, which allow for much more dynamic styling of SVG elements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing CSS Variables

Define a CSS Variable: In your CSS, you can set a variable for the color you'd like to use.

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

Create a Class for Each Color: Instead of using direct selectors, designate a class for each different color and assign the CSS variable specifically to those classes.

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

Update Your HTML Structure: Maintain the structure of your SVG format but ensure the color classes are correctly applied.

Complete Example Code

Here’s how the complete setup should look using the principles discussed:

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

Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of CSS Variables

By leveraging CSS variables, you bypass many of the limitations that traditional selectors impose when dealing with SVG graphics. Switching to this method not only enhances your styling efficiency but also promotes cleaner, more maintainable code.

Give it a shot in your next project, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with styling SVG elements!