8 CSS Checkbox Hack Examples
This collection explores the classic “Checkbox Hack” - a powerful technique for managing state and creating interactive UI components without JavaScript. By combining a hidden <input>, the :checked pseudo-class, and sibling combinators (+, ~), it demonstrates how to implement full-fledged modals, sidebars, accordions, and tabs. This approach offloads all logic to the CSS engine, ensuring maximum performance. The examples also touch upon the technique’s limitations, highlighting the importance of proper DOM structure for it to work.
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Pure CSS Home Media (Ambilight)
A remarkable, zero-JS interactive environment simulation utilizing the CSS Checkbox Hack and global CSS Variables to control the scene’s ambient lighting.
Tailwind Glassy Profile
A highly interactive, visually deep (glassy) component where the user can reveal two different layers of information (data and social media) or switch to a fullscreen content mode using only CSS triggers.
Tailwind Social Profile Light with Theme Toggle
A highly dynamic and visually complex component that uses a combination of advanced CSS selectors and techniques to create a sophisticated, multi-stage UI effect without heavy libraries.
Ergonomic Toggle (CSS)
A hyper-realistic skeuomorphic toggle switch crafted entirely in CSS using advanced box-shadows and gradients to simulate depth and lighting.
Skull Toggle (CSS)
A playful skeleton toggle switch animated purely with CSS. The skull handle slides via @keyframes triggered by the :checked state, while a complex hand assembly - constructed from gradients and box-shadows - slides in to “push” the toggle, creating a whimsical, interactive narrative without JavaScript.
Grow Up, They Said...
An interactive 3D todo list utilizing CSS perspective and rotateY transforms to create tangible, flipping card effects. JavaScript orchestrates a staggered entrance animation via setTimeout loops, while Sass mixins manage complex transition delays for the cascading sub-menu reveal.
Simple To-Do List Built with Tailwind CSS
A responsive dual-theme todo list built with Tailwind CSS, relying on the input:checked + label selector hack for state management.
HTML Accordion (Tailwind Only)
A smooth, fully functional accordion that animates expansion to the content’s intrinsic height without requiring JS dimension calculations.