Save 25% on our pro plugins with coupon code: SPRING2023
Web Dev + WordPress + Security
Blackhole Pro
Blackhole Pro: Trap bad bots in a virtual black hole.
Related Posts

Vanilla JavaScript: Add Class to Image Links

It seems that for every new web design, I need to add a specific CSS class to linked images. So I can distinguish between regular text links and image links. And then apply styles as desired for each. I’ve tried all sorts of CSS and JavaScript/jQuery tricks over the years, but so far this one is the best..

Of course, “best” is relative. For me, this snippet is great because it’s simple, lightweight, and written in vanilla JavaScript. So there are no dependencies.

Magic Bullet

Here is the magic code, strictly plug-&-play:

window.onload = function() {
	imageLinks();
}

function imageLinks() {
	var anchors = document.querySelectorAll('a');
	Array.prototype.forEach.call(anchors, function(a) {
		var img = a.querySelector('img');
		if (img !== null) {
			a.classList.add('img-link');
		}
	});
}

This snippet does one thing: adds a class named img-link to all links <a> that contain an image <img> element. Simply add the code and done.

After adding this code, any/all image links will include a class named img-link. Here is an example of the HTML output after applying the above snippet:

<a href="/path/to/somewhere/" class="img-link">
	<img src="/path/to/image.png" alt="">
</a>

So now we can add styles specifically to links that contain an image. For example:

.img-link { border: 1px solid gold; }
.img-link img { border: none; }

Let me know if you can find any way to improve this “magic bullet” vanilla JavaScript technique. Or maybe now it can be done with simple CSS..?

Jeff Starr
About the Author
Jeff Starr = Web Developer. Security Specialist. WordPress Buff.
Blackhole Pro: Trap bad bots in a virtual black hole.
Welcome
Perishable Press is operated by Jeff Starr, a professional web developer and book author with two decades of experience. Here you will find posts about web development, WordPress, security, and more »
Wizard’s SQL for WordPress: Over 300+ recipes! Check the Demo »
Thoughts
Excellent (and free) tool to test your site's SSL configuration.
Plugin updates! All of our free and pro plugins ready for WordPress 6.2.
Daylight savings is a complete waste of time and needs to be eliminated.
Got a couple of snow days here in mid-March. Fortunately it's not sticking.
I handle all email in real time as it comes in, perpetually clear inbox for years now.
Added some nice features to Wutsearch search engine launchpad. Now 21 engines!
.wp TLD plz :)
Newsletter
Get news, updates, deals & tips via email.
Email kept private. Easy unsubscribe anytime.