---
title: Optional
---
## Optional

The CSS :optional selector changes the style of an input element if the `required` tag is not used. 
The :optional selector can be used on the  input, select and textarea element

In the example below, the required field will be blue and the optional field red

```css
input {
  background-color: blue;
}

input:optional {
  background-color: red;
}
```

#### More Information:
* [MDN Web Docs](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/:optional)
* [W3 Schools](https://www.w3schools.com/cssref/sel_optional.asp)