'::after can't see' in CSS

Sometimes, when working with CSS, you may encounter the issue of ::after pseudo-element not being visible. This can be quite frustrating, especially when you are trying to stylize your web page.

What is '::after' in CSS?

::after is a pseudo-element in CSS that allows you to insert content after an element. It is often used for stylistic effects, such as adding decorative arrows, icons, or other visual elements to enhance the design of a web page.

Why can't '::after' be seen?

There are several reasons why ::after may not be visible:

1. Incorrect use of CSS syntax: Make sure you are using the correct syntax for ::after. This pseudo-element should be preceded by the target element, followed by two colons (::), and then the content property.

.target-element::after {
  content: "";
}

2. Insufficient styles or visibility: Sometimes, the default styles of ::after may not be enough to make it visible. Ensure that you provide the pseudo-element with sufficient styles, such as a width, height, border, or background, to make it visible. Additionally, check that the visibility property is not set to hidden, which would make the element invisible.

.target-element::after {
  content: "";
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  background: red;
  display: block;
  visibility: visible; /* optional, as visibility defaults to visible */
}

3. Overlapping elements or z-index conflicts: It is possible that ::after is being hidden by another element that overlaps with it or has a higher z-index value. Check that the pseudo-element is positioned correctly and does not overlap with other elements.

.target-element {
  position: relative;
}
.target-element::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute; /* make sure ::after is positioned inside target element */
  z-index: 1; /* ensure that ::after has higher z-index than overlapping elements */
}

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ::after pseudo-element can sometimes be hidden in CSS, but there are simple fixes to make it visible. By checking CSS syntax, adding sufficient styles, and resolving overlapping elements or z-index conflicts, you can ensure that your ::after pseudo-element is visible and enhances the design of your web page.