WordPress “Tabs” Shortcode
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Note: This version of the website is not live, hence I’ve added several screenshots.
I’m using the WordPress “tabs” short code for my blog. It’s not functioning properly leading to several issues. I have tried several solutions, and they only partially work. So, I have come to the conclusion that it’s the theme that is causing the tabs to not function properly.
Yes, I have spoken to the developer, but he can’t do anything about it because (1) the native WordPress “tabs” is not a short code for his theme and (2) as the creator of the theme, one of the services he doesn’t offer is custom CSS codes.
So, what are the problems? When assigning the tabs a color, the content area will not take on the color (unless done through the “design options”. However, this leaves a thick white bordar that I can’t change the color nor get rid of. However, the only solution I have been able to fin is if the tabs mode is set to “flat. That then leads to the next problem: the tabs are white and there is no solution I have been able to encounter where I can change their colors. Changing them through the tabs option does not work either.
As I paid closer attention, I noticed is a bullet point on each tab. This is what I believe is causing all of the tab problems. I have researched some possible CSS I could ad to the theme customize section under the CSS tab. Most solutions are to prevent bullet points from the entire site. I only want to prevent bullet points from being added to the tabs because I do use bullet points in my blog posts sometimes.
I have some screenshots . . .
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The other thing you will notice, as I have noted in the last screenshot, is that when the tabs are set in modern or classic mode, the tabs do NOT have any bullet points. However, it leaves this ugly, bulky, white border that won’t change colors no mater what I do.
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Hi there!
Thanks for reaching out and for taking the time to explain what’s happening with the tabs, as well as sharing screenshots.
To start, could you please confirm which site you’re working on, and whether it’s hosted here on WordPress.com? If the site is hosted elsewhere (for example, with a different hosting provider using the WordPress.org software), we won’t be able to directly access it or provide support for it from here.
In terms of what we can help with, our support is focused on how WordPress.com works, built‑in features, and general guidance. We don’t provide custom CSS solutions or theme‑specific code adjustments. Because of that, we’re not able to write or troubleshoot custom CSS to change how your tabs look or remove bullets only in specific places.
If the behavior you’re seeing is due to how the theme handles the tabs (for example, extra borders, colors not applying as expected, or list bullets appearing in tab labels), and the theme author isn’t able to customize that for you, the most practical option may be to switch to a different theme that better supports the styling you’re aiming for.
Modern WordPress block themes, especially many of the newer ones in our theme library, are highly customizable through the Site Editor. They generally give you more control over colors, borders, and layouts without needing custom CSS.
Once you share the site address you’re working on, we can:
- Confirm whether it’s hosted on WordPress.com
- Point you to suitable themes or block‑based approaches that will give you more flexibility for tabs and styling
- Help you find where to adjust design settings that are available within WordPress.com’s tools
Looking forward to your reply with the site address so we can take a closer look from our side.
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