Text selection is a default behaviour in web browsers that allows users to highlight text on a webpage. While this feature is handy in many contexts, there are situations where you might want to disable text selection on your website. In this article, we’ll explore why disabling text selection can be beneficial, the common use cases for doing so, and how to implement this solution without needing a plugin, saving precious resources and improving website performance.
Table of Contents 📃
Why Disable Text Selection?
Disabling text selection is often a choice made for practical or strategic reasons. Below are some common motivations:
Content Protection: If you publish unique or valuable content, such as articles, tutorials, or creative work, disabling text selection can act as a basic deterrent against unauthorized copying. While not foolproof, it discourages casual users from duplicating your work.
Improved User Experience: Accidental text selection can disrupt the user experience on interactive websites, such as games, portfolios, or drag-and-drop interfaces. Disabling text selection ensures smoother interaction.
Aesthetic Considerations: Some website designs aim for a sleek, polished appearance. Highlighting or selecting text in such designs can detract from the overall visual appeal.
Common Use Cases
- Educational or tutorial websites that aim to protect proprietary content.
- E-commerce websites where text selection can interfere with clicking or dragging elements.
- Interactive web applications like games or tools where accidental text selection could break functionality.
- Portfolio websites where designers want to maintain a clean and professional look.
How to Disable Text Selection Without a Plugin
You can easily disable text selection by adding a few lines of CSS code to your website. This solution is lightweight and avoids the need for additional plugins, ensuring your website remains fast and efficient.
CSS Code to Disable Text Selection
/* CSS code disable text selection globally by mtech4you */
body {
user-select: none;
-webkit-user-select: none; /* For Safari */
-moz-user-select: none; /* For Firefox */
-ms-user-select: none; /* For older versions of IE */
}
/* Allow text selection on specific elements if needed */
.allow-select {
user-select: text;
-webkit-user-select: text;
-moz-user-select: text;
-ms-user-select: text;
}
/* End disable text selection CSS code*/Steps to Implement the Code
- Navigate to WordPress Admin Dashboard.
- Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
- Paste the code and click Publish.
Refresh your website and try to select text. You should notice that text selection is disabled globally.
Advantages of This Approach
- Lightweight Solution: No need for plugins that can bloat your website or slow it down.
- Customizable: You can selectively enable or disable text selection as needed.
- Cross-Browser Compatibility: The code ensures compatibility with all major browsers.
Final Thoughts – Conclusions
Disabling text selection can be a simple yet effective way to protect your content, improve user interactions, or enhance the visual appeal of your website. By using CSS, you can achieve this functionality without relying on plugins, keeping your website fast and efficient.
Try this method today and give your website the protection or polish it deserves!
