Styling Buttons with Icons using HTML and CSS

In this tutorial, we will explore how to add icons to buttons using HTML and CSS. We will cover various methods, including using the background-image property, wrapping an img element inside a button, and styling the button to accommodate both text and icon.

Using Background Image

One way to add an icon to a button is by using the background-image property in CSS. This method involves setting the background image of the button to the desired icon and adjusting its position accordingly.

Here’s an example:

<input type="button" value="Add a new row" class="button-add">

input.button-add {
    background-image: url(/images/buttons/add.png); /* 16px x 16px */
    background-color: transparent; /* make the button transparent */
    background-repeat: no-repeat;  /* make the background image appear only once */
    background-position: 0px 0px;  /* equivalent to 'top left' */
    border: none;           /* assuming we don't want any borders */
    cursor: pointer;        /* make the cursor like hovering over an <a> element */
    height: 16px;           /* make this the size of your image */
    padding-left: 16px;     /* make text start to the right of the image */
    vertical-align: middle; /* align the text vertically centered */
}

In this example, we’re setting the background image to an icon and positioning it at the top left corner of the button. We’re also adjusting the padding to ensure that the text starts after the icon.

Wrapping an Img Element

Another approach is to wrap an img element inside a button. This method provides more flexibility, especially when dealing with spritesheets or complex layouts.

Here’s an example:

<button type="submit">
    <img src="images/button/signin.png" height="35">
</button>

In this case, we’re using the button element instead of input[type="button"], which provides more control over the layout. We can then wrap the img element inside the button and style it accordingly.

Styling the Button

When adding an icon to a button, it’s essential to consider the overall styling. This includes adjusting the padding, border, and background color to ensure that the text and icon fit nicely together.

Here are some general tips for styling buttons with icons:

• Use padding-left or padding-right to create space between the icon and the text.
• Adjust the background-position property to position the icon correctly.
• Consider using a transparent background color to ensure that the icon is visible.
• Use border: none to remove any default borders and create a more seamless design.

Example Use Cases

Here are some example use cases for styling buttons with icons:

• Adding a search icon to a submit button
• Creating a call-to-action button with an arrow icon
• Styling a social media share button with a custom icon

By following these methods and tips, you can create visually appealing buttons with icons that enhance the user experience.

Best Practices

When working with buttons and icons, keep in mind the following best practices:

• Use semantic HTML to ensure accessibility.
• Test your design across different browsers and devices.
• Consider using a preprocessor like Sass or Less to simplify your CSS code.
• Keep your design consistent throughout the application.

By following these guidelines and techniques, you can create effective and visually appealing buttons with icons that improve the overall user experience.