Range sliders transform boring number inputs into interactive visual controls. Whether you’re building volume controls, price filters, or data visualization tools, custom input range styling brings user interfaces to life.
Web designers face challenges when implementing slider components across browsers. Default HTML5 range inputs look drastically different in Chrome versus Firefox, creating inconsistent user experiences.
This guide showcases modern CSS techniques for creating stunning, cross-browser slider styling that works everywhere. You’ll learn:
- How to customize the slider thumb and track appearance
- Building responsive range controls that work on mobile
- Creating tooltip on slider drag effects
- Implementing vertical slider implementation
- Accessibility standards for range inputs
From basic CSS-only range inputs to complex multiple handle sliders, we’ll explore solutions using CSS3 properties and minimal JavaScript. These frontend development techniques work with popular UI component libraries or stand-alone implementations.
Ready to elevate your form control customization skills? Let’s dive in.
CSS Range Slider Examples To Check Out
Broken Prettify: Not Just Your Typical Sound Control
See the Pen
Styled native range input #40 (updated 2021) by Ana Tudor (@thebabydino)
on CodePen.
Ever seen a simple volume control looking fab? Here’s Broken Prettify for ya! Made mainly for those groovy sound controls but hey, who says you can’t use it elsewhere? And, guess what? No fancy animation here. Just pure, simple goodness.
Chrome Slider: Bringing the Rainbow to Web Design
See the Pen
Chrome Slider Controls by Duncan Malashock (@dmalashock)
on CodePen.
Bored with your website’s look? Slide in some color with the Chrome Slider. It’s like having a mini rainbow – five sliders, five colors, all in one box. Kudos to the genius behind it, Duncan Malashock.
Emoji Range Slider: Because Why So Serious?
See the Pen
Emoji Range Slider by Guil H (@Guilh)
on CodePen.
Now, this one’s for those who wanna keep it light and fun. Designed by Guil H, this CSS range slider is bright, chic, and has this super cool icon chilling right in the middle. A mix of modern and cheeky!
Verly Range Slider: For the Creative Souls
See the Pen
Verly Range Slider by Anurag (@anuraghazra)
on CodePen.
Ever imagined a hanging strip as a range input? Well, someone did! Presenting the Verly Range Slider. It might not be the most practical choice, but hey, it’s art!
Slider Range Mars Weight Calculator: Fitness in Style
See the Pen
Slider Range Mars Weight Calculator by Marine Piette (@mayuMPH)
on CodePen.
Talk about being futuristic! Fitness apps are the rage now, and almost every smartphone user has one. This range slider just takes it to another level.
CSS Range Slider: Slide with Shadows
See the Pen
CSS Range slider by Javier (@JavRok)
on CodePen.
Slide left, slide right, or just hit those plus and minus buttons. But that’s not all. This slider has some sleek shadows and a chunky border going on. Shoutout to Javier for this masterpiece.
Rotation Via Range Slider: Turn It Up!
See the Pen
Rotation via range slider by Selcuk Cura (@selcukcura)
on CodePen.
This one by Selcuk Cura is spinning things differently. Not just any slider, but a rotation range slider. Imagine the possibilities!
Budget Slider: Your 3D Financial Advisor
See the Pen
budgetSlider by Hornebom (@Hornebom)
on CodePen.
Need to set a budget? Do it in 3D style. A splendid piece of design that makes finances look good.
Range Slider Styling: Where Elegance Meets Function
See the Pen
Range Slider Stylin’ Experiment by Adam Clark (@adamstuartclark)
on CodePen.
Adam gave this one a little twist. It’s not just a slider; it’s got a value indicator chilling at the corner. Though it’s all neat and tidy, might wanna tweak it a bit before going big.
Rolling Slider: Slide with a Penguin Buddy
See the Pen
Rolling Range Slider by phil (@pwambach)
on CodePen.
Nope, not kidding. This unique slider is powered by HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and has a cute penguin as its buddy.
Car Animation with Range Slider: Drive into the Digital World
See the Pen
Car animation with range slider by Pankaj Dhiman (@iampankajdhiman)
on CodePen.
Vroom vroom! Pankaj Dhiman brings to you a slider with some wheels. Animated and ready to roll!
Range Slider Equalizer: Music to the Eyes
See the Pen
#Stylesheet# input[type=’range’]__Equalizer by Long Lazuli (@long-lazuli)
on CodePen.
Simulating an equalizer, this one’s not just a treat for the ears, but a visual delight as well.
Color Range Slider: Trendy Gradients for the Win
See the Pen
Color range slider by Gabriel Tomescu (@gabrieltomescu)
on CodePen.
The beauty of the CSS3 script? Those all-natural and gradient colors. If your website’s vibing with trendy gradient colors, slide this one right in!
Responsive Sliders: Flexibility at Its Finest
See the Pen
Modern, Usable, Responsive Sliders. by Simon Goellner (@simeydotme)
on CodePen.
So, Simon Goellner’s got this rad tool where you can whip up vertical and horizontal sliders. Yep, you got it, the trio of web powers – HTML, CSS, and JS – make it all happen.
Time Range Slider: Ticking the Stylish Way
See the Pen
Time Range Slider by Sean Mooney (@srmooney)
on CodePen.
Sean Mooney’s got this design where you can practically see time glide by. It’s not just a tool, but a piece of art named, well, Time Range Slider.
Cube Range Slider: 3D Magic in Motion
See the Pen
prettify `<input type=range>` #91 by Ana Tudor (@thebabydino)
on CodePen.
Fancy a bit of 3D action? This slider doesn’t just slide, it illuminates a bunch of those snazzy light green cubes. Totally out of the box!
Range Slider Output: Trendsetter Alert
See the Pen
Range slider output by Michael Wolthers Nielsen (@wolthers)
on CodePen.
Looking for some sleek action for your website or app? Dive into this fab flat-design slider that doesn’t just look cool but feels fresh with its trendy color game.
Flat Range Sliders: Red Hot Design
See the Pen
Flat Range Sliders by Rosh Jutherford (@the_ruther4d)
on CodePen.
Big shoutout to Rosh Jutherford for this red-hot design. Three sliders, all flaunting a fierce flat design. Simply irresistible!
Soft Dial: Minimalism Meets Elegance
See the Pen
Soft Dial by Chris Gannon (@chrisgannon)
on CodePen.
If less is more for you, then this dial is the thing. Rounded, simple, and with a smooth animation, it’s elegance redefined.
Range Slider with a Splash
See the Pen
CSS Custom Range Slider by Brandon McConnell (@brandonmcconnell)
on CodePen.
Brandon McConnell dropped this beauty. Literally! A range slider that drips design with its water-drop progress. And guess what? The color vibe changes as you slide!
Rounded Range Slider: Circle of Style
See the Pen
Rounded Range Slider by Sabine Robart (@_Sabine)
on CodePen.
Want something that stands out? This slider’s got the circles, the style, and the space. Just spin and win!
Draggable Price Scale: Precision Perfected
See the Pen
Draggable Price Scale by Wayne Roddy (@dubrod)
on CodePen.
Wayne Roddy’s crafted this intricate range slider that doesn’t just slide but spills out deets. Detailed and definitive!
Spicy Slider: Hot ‘n’ Sizzling
See the Pen
Spicy Slider (+ secret level) by Nicolas Jesenberger (@nicolasjesenberger)
on CodePen.
Spice up your site with this slider! Its color changes with its position, indicating just how hot things are getting.
Balloon Range Slider in SVG: Floating Fun
See the Pen
SVG Balloon Slider by Chris Gannon (@chrisgannon)
on CodePen.
Chris Gannon’s design is bound to blow your mind! Click and hold, and a balloon pops up. It’s fun, flirty, and goes from 0 to 100 real quick!
Price Range Slider: Shop ‘n’ Slide
See the Pen
price range slider by Dima (@dimaZubkov)
on CodePen.
Whether you’re setting prices on an eCommerce platform or deciding loan amounts on a finance site, this slider’s got your back.
Minimal Styling: Pure CSS Love
See the Pen
Minimal input range styling (CSS only) by Renaud Tertrais (@renaudtertrais)
on CodePen.
Craving some clean lines and simple style? Renaud Tertrais’ minimal input range slider is a pure CSS dream.
Futuristic Slider: The Future is Round
See the Pen
Skeuo-futuristic-slider by LukyVJ (@LukyVj)
on CodePen.
This slider doesn’t just slide; it transports you to the future! Minimal JavaScript, maximum awesomeness.
Cartoon Inspired Smoke Range Slider: Animated Attraction
See the Pen
Smoke Slider by Aaron Iker (@aaroniker)
on CodePen.
Feeling nostalgic about those cartoon days? Aaron Iker’s range slider smokes out numbers while giving all those comic vibes.
Gradient Range Slider: Color Flow Like A Pro
See the Pen
Gradient Range Slider by Eric Grucza (@egrucza)
on CodePen.
Ever seen colors flow like water? That’s what’s up with this slider. Super smooth gradient action. Oh, and if you tweak the code a bit, it’s pretty versatile for other designs too.
Double Slider: Twice the Fun
See the Pen
Double slider by Gabi (@enxaneta)
on CodePen.
Need double action? Gabi’s got you! Two handles, looking all cute with that balloon shape, and yep, they show values inside. Neat, right?
Fluid Temperature Input Range: Hot or Cold?
See the Pen
No SVG, no image, CSS-only fluid slider with input[type=range] by Ana Tudor (@thebabydino)
on CodePen.
Imagine a thermostat, but make it stylish. Changes colors as you set the temperature. You feel the heat (or cold) just by looking!
Range Input: Change on the Go
See the Pen
Range Input: change live value by Jorge Epuñan (@juanbrujo)
on CodePen.
It’s more than just a project. It’s CSS magic in action!
Scalable 3D Range Sliders: Dive into Dimensions
See the Pen
Day 5: Scalable 3D Range Sliders by Angela He (@zephyo)
on CodePen.
Want your slider to pop? This one’s 3D and looks like a kaleidoscope. Super fancy and that glass finish? Chef’s kiss.
Cross-Browser Range: Universal Coolness
See the Pen
Cross-Browser Range Input With Solid Lower Fill by Noah Blon (@noahblon)
on CodePen.
Noah Blon’s serving some universal love. Works across browsers and that solid color fill? Thanks to a cool box-shadow trick.
Range Input Fancy Slider Bars: Rainbow Ride
See the Pen
1 range input fancy slider bars by Ana Tudor (@thebabydino)
on CodePen.
It’s like having a party on your screen! Five sliders, all with groovy hover animations, painting gradients like a dream.
Neumorphism – Range Slider: Sleek & Chic
See the Pen
styled range slider by jonna (@jonnaru)
on CodePen.
Crafted by jonna, this is where modern design meets function. Minimal yet impactful.
Dynamic Grid Background: Gradient Galore
See the Pen
dynamic grid background with custom properties by Allison Richmond (@vengeanceindustries)
on CodePen.
It’s all in the details! A background bursting with gradient grids, using the power of CSS custom properties.
Gear Slider: Spin the Style
See the Pen
Gear Slider by Mariusz Dabrowski (@MarioD)
on CodePen.
Mariusz Dabrowski is turning the gears of creativity! A dual-handle range slider with a round edge. Modern and sleek!
Loan Range: Show Me the Money!
See the Pen
Range by Reza Lavarian (@lavary)
on CodePen.
Visualizing loans just got stylish. Purple gradient action displaying the zone, with a snazzy animation on the handle.
Radio Button Dot-slider: Slide without Script
See the Pen
Radio Button Dot-Slider (Pure CSS) by Brandon McConnell (@brandonmcconnell)
on CodePen.
Brandon’s on to something! A click slider, labels, sliding dot, and the best part? No JS, all CSS. It’s like magic, but real!
FAQ on CSS Range Slider Examples
How do I change the color of a range slider?
Use the CSS variables to target specific parts of the range input. For the track, use ::-webkit-slider-runnable-track and similar vendor prefixes. For the thumb, target ::-webkit-slider-thumb. Apply background properties to each selector for custom input range styling.
input[type="range"]::-webkit-slider-thumb {
background: #4285f4;
}
Can I create a vertical slider with CSS?
Yes! Transform your HTML range input with transform: rotate(270deg) and adjust the container using positioning. You’ll need additional CSS for proper vertical slider implementation. Remember to handle the value display differently since the orientation changes how users interact.
How do I display the current value of a range slider?
Create a span element to show the value. Use JavaScript DOM manipulation to update it:
const slider = document.querySelector('input[type="range"]');
const output = document.querySelector('.value-display');
slider.addEventListener('input', () => {
output.textContent = slider.value;
});
For more advanced displays, consider using tooltip on slider drag.
How can I create a double/multi-handle range slider?
Multiple handle sliders require two inputs positioned over each other. Use JavaScript events to prevent overlap and track both values. Libraries like noUiSlider offer frontend library solutions for complex range selection interfaces without reinventing everything.
Are CSS range sliders accessible?
Basic range inputs provide decent web accessibility standards, but need improvements:
- Add proper labels
- Include aria attributes
- Ensure keyboard navigation works
- Provide visible focus states
- Consider users with motor difficulties
Form UX patterns should prioritize all users.
How do I add tick marks to my range slider?
Use the datalist element with the range input’s list attribute to create slider tick marks:
<input type="range" list="tickmarks">
<datalist id="tickmarks">
<option value="0"></option>
<option value="25"></option>
<option value="50"></option>
</datalist>
Style with CSS-only range inputs techniques.
What’s the best way to handle browser compatibility?
Browser compatibility varies widely for range inputs. Use feature detection and provide sensible fallbacks. Test across browsers, especially older versions. Consider tools like Autoprefixer for handling vendor prefixes in your cross-browser slider styling.
Can I create a gradient background for the track?
Yes! Target the track pseudo-element and apply a linear-gradient background. For the filled portion, create a background that changes based on the value using the background-size property and CSS variables:
::-webkit-slider-runnable-track {
background: linear-gradient(to right, #4285f4, #34a853);
}
How do I make my range slider responsive?
Use relative units (%, em, rem) instead of pixels for your responsive range controls. Test on various screen sizes and implement touch-friendly range inputs with larger touch targets for mobile. Consider media queries to adjust sizes for different devices.
Can I build a range slider without JavaScript?
Pure CSS-only range inputs are possible for basic sliders! You can style the appearance and create simple value displays using the :after pseudo-element with the attr() function. However, complex behaviors like interactive range inputs with dynamic connections to other elements require JavaScript.
Conclusion
The world of CSS range slider examples continues to evolve as browsers implement new standards. By mastering custom form controls and slider state styling, you’ll create interfaces that feel intuitive and responsive.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Range input browser compatibility requires testing across platforms
- Form design patterns should prioritize usability over flashy effects
- Mobile interfaces need larger touch targets for slider thumbs
- CSS preprocessors can simplify complex slider styling with mixins
- Client-side validation ensures sliders collect meaningful data
The humble range input represents the perfect balance of frontend development simplicity and power. When properly implemented, users rarely notice the interactive value selection component itself—they simply enjoy the intuitive experience.
Next time you need to implement numeric input alternatives, revisit these techniques. Whether you’re building price range selectors or volume control sliders, the lessons from these code examples will serve as your foundation for creating exceptional user experiences.
If you liked this article about CSS range sliders, you should check out this article about CSS speech bubbles.
There are also similar articles discussing javascript text animation, CSS dashboard, product card design, and CSS pagination.
And let’s not forget about articles on CSS scroll effects, CSS shadow effects, CSS lists, and CSS search boxes.
