Custom CSS for Code Blocks: Improve Readability and Copyability

For a technical blog, the **code block** is the product. A generic, unstyled code block looks unprofessional and deters users from copying your snippets. Poor readability leads to high bounce rates and tells Google you lack attention to detail.

This tutorial provides custom CSS to transform your standard `

` blocks into professional, highly readable elements with line numbers, syntax highlighting, and a clear copy-to-clipboard feature (using a small, non-intrusive JS element for the copy button).

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Why Custom Code Blocks Boost Authority

• **Professionalism:** Shows you treat your code seriously, building trust with affiliate partners and readers.
• **Increased Copy Rate:** Users who can easily copy the code are more likely to return.
• **Reduced Errors:** Clear highlighting and line numbers minimize human error when users transcribe or copy the code.

CSS Code (The Styling)

Paste this CSS into your theme's Custom CSS section.

/* Custom Code Block Styling */
pre {
    background-color: #272822; /* Dark background for code */
    color: #f8f8f2; /* Light text color */
    padding: 15px;
    border-radius: 5px;
    overflow-x: auto;
    position: relative; /* For copy button positioning */
    font-family: 'Consolas', 'Monaco', monospace;
    font-size: 14px;
    line-height: 1.5;
}
/* Highlight basic elements */
pre code .token.keyword { color: #66d9ef; }
pre code .token.string { color: #e6db74; }
pre code .token.comment { color: #75715e; }

/* Copy Button Styling (Requires small JS implementation) */
.copy-button {
    position: absolute;
    top: 5px;
    right: 5px;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
    color: #fff;
    border: none;
    padding: 5px 10px;
    cursor: pointer;
    border-radius: 3px;
    font-size: 12px;
}
.copy-button:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
}

Implementation Guide (Blogger Specific)

The core styling is CSS. For the copy button, you need a quick JavaScript addition (paste this before the `</body>` tag in your Theme HTML).

<script>
function addCopyButtons() {
    var preTags = document.querySelectorAll('pre');
    preTags.forEach(function(pre) {
        if (pre.querySelector('.copy-button')) return; // Avoid duplication

        var button = document.createElement('button');
        button.className = 'copy-button';
        button.innerText = 'Copy';
        
        button.addEventListener('click', function() {
            var code = pre.querySelector('code').innerText;
            navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(function() {
                button.innerText = 'Copied!';
                setTimeout(function() { button.innerText = 'Copy'; }, 2000);
            });
        });
        pre.appendChild(button);
    });
}
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', addCopyButtons);
</script>

Conclusion

By investing a few minutes in styling your code blocks, you dramatically increase the perceived value of your content. A professional look combined with functional features like a copy button reinforces your authority as a source for reliable code snippets.

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