Use CSS to automatically add 'required field' asterisk to form inputs

Question

What is a good way to overcome the unfortunate fact that this code will not work as desired:

    Name:         


        
      

Answer 1

Although this is the accepted answer, please ignore me and use the :after syntax suggested below. My solution is not accessible.

---

A similar outcome could be achieved by using a background image of a picture of an asterisk and setting the background of the label/input/the outer div and a padding of the size of the asterisk image. Something like this:

.required input {
   padding-right: 25px;
   background-image: url(...);
   background-position: right top;
}

This will put the asterisk INSIDE the text box, but putting the same on div.required instead of .required input will probably be more what you're looking for, if a little less elegant.

This method doesn't require an additional input.