Styling in Next.js: Global Styles

What You’ll Learn 📚

In this tutorial, you’ll discover:

• The basics of styling in Next.js
• How to apply global styles effectively
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Hands-on examples to solidify your understanding

Introduction to Styling in Next.js

Next.js is a powerful React framework that simplifies the process of building fast and scalable web applications. One of the key features it offers is the ability to easily manage styles, including global styles that affect your entire application.

Key Terminology

• Global Styles: Styles that apply to the entire application, not just a specific component.
• CSS: Cascading Style Sheets, a language used to describe the presentation of a document written in HTML or XML.
• JSX: A syntax extension for JavaScript, commonly used with React to describe what the UI should look like.

Getting Started with Global Styles

Simple Example: Adding Global Styles

// Step 1: Create a new Next.js project
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app

// Step 2: Navigate into your project directory
cd my-next-app

// Step 3: Open the project in your favorite code editor
code .

// Step 4: Create a global CSS file
// In the 'styles' directory, create a file named 'globals.css'

/* globals.css */
body {
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
    box-sizing: border-box;
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
}

// Step 5: Import the global CSS file in '_app.js'
// Open 'pages/_app.js' and add the following line:

import '../styles/globals.css';

function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {
    return ;
}

export default MyApp;

Progressively Complex Examples

Example 1: Adding a Reset CSS

/* globals.css */
/* Reset some default browser styles */
* {
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
    box-sizing: border-box;
}

body {
    font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
    background-color: #f0f0f0;
}

Example 2: Using CSS Variables

/* globals.css */
:root {
    --main-bg-color: #282c34;
    --main-text-color: #ffffff;
}

body {
    background-color: var(--main-bg-color);
    color: var(--main-text-color);
}

Example 3: Responsive Global Styles

/* globals.css */
body {
    font-size: 16px;
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
    body {
        font-size: 14px;
    }
}

Common Questions and Answers

1. What are global styles?

   Global styles are CSS rules that apply to the entire application, affecting all components unless overridden by more specific styles.

2. How do I add global styles in Next.js?

   Create a CSS file (e.g., globals.css) and import it in _app.js. This will apply the styles globally across your application.

3. Why use global styles?

   Global styles are useful for setting default styles for your entire application, such as font families, colors, and resets. They help maintain consistency and reduce redundancy.

4. Can I use CSS frameworks with Next.js?

   Yes! You can easily integrate CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS by importing their styles in your project.

5. What is the difference between global styles and component styles?

   Global styles affect the entire application, while component styles are scoped to specific components, allowing for more granular control.

6. How do I troubleshoot styling issues in Next.js?

   Check for conflicting styles, ensure proper import of CSS files, and use browser developer tools to inspect and debug styles.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Styles not applying globally.

Solution: Ensure that your global CSS file is correctly imported in _app.js. Double-check the file path and import statement.

Issue: Unexpected styling behavior.

Solution: Look for conflicting styles or specificity issues. Use browser developer tools to inspect elements and see which styles are being applied.

Practice Exercises

1. Create a new Next.js project and apply a global style that changes the background color of the entire application.
2. Add a CSS reset to your global styles and observe the changes in your application.
3. Use CSS variables to define a color scheme for your application and apply it globally.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep experimenting with different styles and see how they affect your application. Happy coding! 🚀

Additional Resources

• Next.js CSS Support Documentation
• MDN Web Docs: CSS