The world of web development is so wonderful that we frameworks such as Bootstrap 4 to grace us with its endless library of customizable options.
With that said, using Bootstrap 4 has never been easier than now. The developers of the framework are not only constantly updating it, but they make integration a piece of cake.
So, we thought we tell you the 5 easiest ways to customize Bootstrap 4 for your next endeavors. This article will serve as your 2024 web development guide to the framework, so let’s begin.
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Table of Contents
1. Variable Finders
If you happened to be using the framework and need to change a few things to better reflect on your needs, then the Variable Finder is a great and easy way to do it.
All you have to do is simply go to Epic Bootstrap where you can do the customization all by yourself. Here, you can customize anything such as headings, buttons, simple div elements, and every other element and block container.
Using Epic Bootstrap is very easy and makes the job very convenient.
2. Simple CSS Overrides
Every framework, such as Bootstrap 4, has rules which the CSS abides by. This method involves changing those rules and bending them to how you see fit.
And overriding these rules has never been easier. To do that, however, you will need to do some coding. The easiest way to start is to simply create a file called, for example, “custom.css”. This file will contain every CSS property that the framework has, but you will include it after including the bootstrap.min.css in the head section of your HTML file.
In the custom.css file, you will do all the changes. If you need to change the heading size and color, for example, then find the code in boostrap.min.css and simply copy-paste it but this time, change the size and color.
It might seem like a lot of work, but this custom.css file will always be available to you for future projects. One thing to note as to why we’re doing this – you don’t want to change the framework itself but give it your CSS inputs so you won’t have to download it every time you need to use it.
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3. Make Changes Directly
This is the preferred method for most designers and developers. Why? Because it doesn’t require creating any new files nor writing new code.
This method involves making the changes directly into the bootstrap.min.css file. If you happened to be using WordPress for your project, then you can navigate to your cPanel and download the CSS file.
Make the changes needed, save it, and upload it back to cPanel. This method doesn’t give you extra flexibility for future projects, as you’ve already modified the rules of the framework. But what it does do is save energy, time, and a lot of needless coding.
This method goes completely against the previous one, in a sense that you will need to download a new Bootstrap 4 framework for future projects.
4. Use Custom Templates
It’s safe to say that designers and developers get creative when making templates. To say that you can’t find a Bootstrap 4 template on Google is very disappointing.
All you need is to go on Google and do a simple search. You’ll be amazed to see how many options you have in terms of templates you can use. Bootstrapdash is an apt example of the same.
These templates act as standalone pages that you can integrate into your projects. It doesn’t matter if you’re using WordPress, Wix, or hardcoding.
All you need to do is find a template that you like and use it for your projects. Many of these websites that specialize in offering you awesome Bootstrap 4 templates, such as templatemonster.com, pride themselves of quality design, excellent functionality, and easy integration.
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5. Modify In WordPress
Now, this method is very different from the rest but still the same. If you’re a freelance designer or developer, then chances are you will be using WordPress for your clients’ website needs.
And that’s a brilliant thing to do regardless if you’re a rookie or a pro.
WordPress gives you so much to work around and even sets up rules for us. This is something that a lot of people take issue with, but that doesn’t change the fact that WordPress is the best platform to work on if you’re a web designer or developer.
When using WordPress, you can either download a theme or make one yourself. If the former is your option, then you can navigate to the “Appearance – Themes” section on your developer dashboard and find the perfect theme for your needs.
When choosing themes, it’s important to find one that has been built on Bootstrap 4. If not, then there is no real way for you to modify and customize it.
Luckily, there are dozens of brilliant themes that you can find on Google.
Common Mistakes Designers Make When Customizing Bootstrap 4
It’s safe to say that not everyone is a pro when it comes to customizing the framework. But we all make mistakes and we’re supposed to learn from them.
So, let’s give you a general rundown on some of the mistakes people make when customizing the framework.
· You Need to Know CSS to Use the Framework
Pretty self-explanatory, a lot of people think that you’re not required to know the framework to use it. While it might work for some, how would you know how to customize the elements if you have zero CSS knowledge?
· Changing the Bootstrap File
This is yet another mistake, although we did include it as a way to customize the framework. A lot of expert designers and developers suggest not changing the main file – bootstrap.css or bootstrap.min.css.
This is because a rookie can easily get lost and make things a lot harder if they aren’t that experienced with using the framework. While a seasoned veteran that has had dozens of projects behind his belt is allowed to do it, you shouldn’t do it if you’re a rookie.
