CSS Overlay Techniques

Introduction

• Common issue: Text readability on background images.
• Solution: Overlay color or effect.

Traditional Method

• Use of pseudo-elements to create overlays.
• Steps:
  • Add pseudo-element with CSS.
  • Use position: relative on the hero to avoid full viewport coverage.
  • Adjust z-index for stacking context.
  • This method adds extra CSS code.

Improved Method with Overlay Class

• Create an overlay class for better separation of concerns.
• Benefits:
  • Reusable across multiple background images.

Implementation Steps

1. Define a border image with a linear gradient.
2. Example gradient: border-image-source: linear-gradient(red, blue);
3. Border images need:
   • border-style: solid;
   • Introduce border-image-slice to dictate how the image is filled.
   • Example: border-image-slice: 1;
4. To fill the empty space, add the fill keyword:
   • Result: The image fills the entire element, not just the border.

Opacity Adjustments

• Adjust the gradient colors to be semi-transparent (e.g., 0.3 opacity for both colors).
• Importance: Ensures text remains readable.

Simplifying the CSS Code

• Remove unnecessary border width and style properties.
• Combine properties using border-image shorthand.
• Example: border-image: linear-gradient(..., ...); fill;

Final Adjustments

• Experiment with opacity for better contrast.
• Example adjustments: Increase opacity to 0.6 for better readability.

Learning Resources

• Mentioned a CSS course "CSS Demystified" for those wanting to enhance their CSS skills.

Acknowledgements

• Thanked patrons for support.
• Encouraged listeners to improve their web design skills.