In web development, it’s important to draw attention to specific sections of your content. Bootstrap 3 introduces Wells, a simple yet effective way to create highlighted containers with subtle styling. These containers help separate or emphasize content, ensuring better readability and focus.
At TheCodingCollege.com, we’ll show you how to use and customize Bootstrap Wells to elevate your website’s design.
What Are Bootstrap Wells?
A Well in Bootstrap is a container with padding and a slightly recessed background. It is commonly used to emphasize content, such as important messages, callouts, or featured elements.
Key Features of Bootstrap Wells:
- Adds subtle shading to a container.
- Creates visual separation between sections.
- Fully responsive and easy to customize.
Basic Bootstrap Well Example
Here’s how to create a basic Well in Bootstrap:
<div class="well">
This is a basic Well container.
</div>
Output:
A shaded box appears around the content with extra padding for better spacing.
Well Sizes in Bootstrap
Bootstrap Wells come with default styles, but you can adjust their size using additional classes.
Small Well
<div class="well well-sm">
This is a small Well.
</div>
Large Well
<div class="well well-lg">
This is a large Well.
</div>
Output:
well-sm
creates a smaller Well with reduced padding.well-lg
creates a larger Well with more padding.
Pro Tip: Use smaller or larger Wells to fit the context of your content.
Use Cases for Bootstrap Wells
Bootstrap Wells can be used in several scenarios:
- Callouts: Highlight important messages or information.
- Notifications: Display warnings, updates, or announcements.
- Quotes or Testimonials: Style user reviews or customer feedback.
Example – Callout in a Well
<div class="well">
<h4>Important Update</h4>
<p>Our website will undergo maintenance from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM.</p>
</div>
Example – Testimonial in a Well
<div class="well">
<blockquote>
"TheCodingCollege.com has the best coding tutorials!"
<footer>– A Happy Learner</footer>
</blockquote>
</div>
Customizing Bootstrap Wells
Bootstrap Wells are highly customizable. You can style them with CSS to match your website’s theme.
Adding Background Colors
<style>
.custom-well {
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 10px;
color: #333;
}
</style>
<div class="well custom-well">
This is a customized Well container.
</div>
Adding Icons to Wells
You can pair Wells with Font Awesome or Bootstrap icons for better visual appeal:
<div class="well">
<i class="glyphicon glyphicon-info-sign"></i> This is a Well with an icon.
</div>
Responsive Wells
Bootstrap Wells automatically adjust to various screen sizes. You can use them with the Bootstrap Grid System to create responsive layouts.
Example – Wells in a Grid
<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-4">
<div class="well">Well 1</div>
</div>
<div class="col-md-4">
<div class="well">Well 2</div>
</div>
<div class="col-md-4">
<div class="well">Well 3</div>
</div>
</div>
This creates three responsive columns, each containing a Well.
Bootstrap Wells with Buttons
You can add buttons to Wells for call-to-action functionality:
<div class="well">
<h4>Join Us Today!</h4>
<p>Sign up for our newsletter and stay updated.</p>
<a href="#" class="btn btn-primary">Subscribe</a>
</div>
Best Practices for Using Bootstrap Wells
- Use Sparingly: Too many Wells can clutter your design. Use them to highlight only the most important information.
- Add Contrast: Ensure the text inside a Well is easily readable by using appropriate colors.
- Combine with Other Components: Pair Wells with buttons, images, or icons for enhanced functionality and design.
- Optimize for Accessibility: Add proper ARIA roles for screen readers if the Wells convey important messages.
Conclusion
Bootstrap Wells are an excellent way to draw attention to key content on your website. Whether you’re highlighting announcements, quotes, or call-to-action messages, Wells add structure and style to your designs.