How to Customize Scrollbars in React with React-Custom-Scroll

Jul 28, 2023 | Programming

Scrollbars are often the unsung heroes of user interface design. They help us navigate through content effortlessly, yet they can sometimes look out of place or fail to provide a cohesive experience across different browsers. Enter React-Custom-Scroll, a solution that allows you to design custom scrollbars while keeping the native scrolling functionality. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the installation, usage, and styling of React-Custom-Scroll so you can elevate your project to a whole new level.

Why Use React-Custom-Scroll?

  • Consistent design across all browsers.
  • Scrollbar appears above the content rather than floating to the side.
  • The layout remains unchanged whether the content is scrolled or not.

Installation

To get started with React-Custom-Scroll, you’ll want to add it to your project using npm:

npm i react-custom-scroll --save

How to Use React-Custom-Scroll?

Using the custom scroll component is simple! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Import the CustomScroll component:
  • import CustomScroll from 'react-custom-scroll';
  • Wrap your content within the CustomScroll component:
  • your content
  • Ensure to remove any overflow style properties from the content root component.

Customizing the Design

You can easily customize the design of the scrollbar by modifying two CSS classes:

  • .rcs-custom-scrollbar: This class styles the container of the scroll handle.
  • .rcs-inner-handle: This class styles the thumb of the scrollbar, where you can adjust color, background, and borders.

Options (React Props)

React-Custom-Scroll provides several props for customization:

  • allowOuterScroll: Blocks outer scrolling while content is being scrolled (default: false).
  • heightRelativeToParent: Sets the content height limit relative to its parent.
  • onScroll: A function triggered on each scroll event.
  • keepAtBottom: Keeps the scroll at the bottom with dynamic content changes.

For a complete list of props and their explanations, check the official documentation.

Understanding the Code: An Analogy

Think of your website layout like a library. The books (content) are arranged neatly on the shelves (containers). The scrollbars are like librarians who help you navigate the aisles while keeping things organized. Normally, a librarian (native scroll) does a good job, but sometimes you want to give them a new uniform (custom scroll) to make things look more appealing. React-Custom-Scroll allows you to redesign how your librarian looks while still ensuring they perform their duties effectively—allowing you to focus on the essential navigation (scrolling) without missing a beat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while using React-Custom-Scroll, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure you have removed any overflow properties from the root content element.
  • If using JSX, remember that component names should be in Pascal case, like CustomScroll, not customScroll.
  • Check that you set a height limit on the content element (max-height).
  • Ensure you’re using the heightRelativeToParent prop appropriately.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations. With React-Custom-Scroll, you have the tools to create a more engaging user experience with custom-styled scrollbars. So, go ahead and integrate this into your project!

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