Why You Shouldn't Use Pixels Anymore

Introduction

• Discussion on the drawbacks of using pixels for font sizes and element dimensions.
• Conversion from pixels to Rems for better accessibility.

Accessibility Issues with Pixels

• Defining font sizes in pixels is not accessible as users can't adjust font size in some browsers.
• Default browser base font size is usually 16 pixels.
• Browsers like Firefox and Chrome allow users to customize font sizes, impacting the interpretation of Rem units.

Comparison: Pixels vs Rems

• Pixels are absolute units; their size is constant and doesn't adapt to browser settings.
• Rems are relative units; their size adapts based on the user's browser settings.

Impact of Using Pixels on Layout

• Using pixels can result in inconsistent and cramped layouts when browser font size settings are changed.

Recommendation: Use Rems

• Switching to Rems improves accessibility and readability.
• Rems adapt better to user preferences and browser settings.

Drawbacks of Pixels in Media Queries

• Pixels can cause design issues when the browser font size is increased.
• Using Rems or Em units is recommended for responsiveness and usability.

Conversion Techniques from Pixels to Rems

1. CSS Custom Properties:

   • Define pixel values as CSS variables and convert them into Rems.
   • A trade-off is the inability to use CSS variables in media queries.

2. Sass/SCSS:

   • Use functions to automate the conversion process.
   • Sass functions can be used within media queries for easier management.

3. Avoid 62.5% Hack:

   • Previously used to simplify conversion by setting the HTML font size to 62.5% (making 1 Rem = 10 pixels).
   • This method has drawbacks, including breaking compatibility with third-party packages.

Course Offering

• A mention of a course on responsive design for beginners, including building a website from scratch using Figma designs and setting up Sass styles. Offers are available with discounts.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use relative units like Rems for better accessibility and user experience on web standards.