Chapter 3

HTML Reference


CONTENTS

In this section, you'll find an entry for every accepted (or anticipated to be accepted) element or "tag" in the various HTML standards/extensions in use. Turn to Part I of this book to find out more about categories, compliance, and so on.

The HTML elements in this section are in alphanumeric sort, as you would expect to find in an encyclopedia. If a tag manipulates the visual presentation of a browser, a figure is provided to help illustrate the effect caused by the use of that tag.

Every effort has been made to build the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference of the HyperText Markup Language in encyclopedic format. Note that there are several related conventions that are not part of the HTML standard but that can be called up or manipulated from an HTML document. Many of the most advanced math elements and server side includes, for example, are not part of the HTML standards now in development. The scope of this book is constrained to HTML standards observed by browsers offered by Netscape, Microsoft, and Mosaic and the HTML 2/HTML 3 standards.

New tags will be added to this book as they are recognized, adopted, and implemented in products such as Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, and Mosaic or as they're included in subsequent HTML standards.


!--

Compliance
Syntax
<!--...-->
Definition

The <!--> tag allows the author of an HTML document to place comments in the code that can only be seen while editing the document.

See also COMMENT.

Example Syntax
<!-- Document: INDEX.HTM 1.6 1996/03/25 17:33:48 -->

A

Compliance
Syntax
<A>...</A>
Definition

The <A> tag, which stands for "anchor," denotes the beginning and the end of a statement containing some form of a hypertext link. This tag allows the user to link to another location within the same HTML document, to another Web site, to an FTP server, and so on.

See HREF for more on creating hypertext links with the <A> tag.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<A HREF="http://www.askamerica.com">
Related Elements

Related Elements This Element Can Be Used Inside <A> <A> Can Be Used Inside This Element
HREF

METHODS

NAME

TITLE

*

*

*

*
 


ADDRESS

Compliance
Syntax
<ADDRESS>...</ADDRESS>
Definition

The <ADDRESS> tag offers a way to format a small body of text into a format that resembles a conventional letter header. The <ADDRESS> tag provides mailing or contact information, often on a page that is intended to look like a conventional "analog" letter. The text inside the <ADDRESS> and </ADDRESS> tags is in italics.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<ADDRESS>Robert Mullen<BR>
Box 32<BR>
Chicago Park, CA 95712-0032</ADDRESS>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <ADDRESS> <ADDRESS> Find It Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
<B>  
*
<BODY>  
*
<BODYQUOTE>  
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>  
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<P>
*
 
<PRE>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


ALIGN

Compliance
Syntax
ALIGN=[LEFT][RIGHT][CENTER][TOP][BOTTOM][MIDDLE][TEXTTOP][JUSTIFY]
Definition

ALIGN is an attribute meant to apply further presentation formatting to a body of text (using LEFT, RIGHT, JUSTIFY, CENTER, or TEXTTOP) or a graphic (using TOP, MIDDLE, or BOTTOM).

Category

ALIGN is used in every Category except Dividers and Backgrounds/Colors.

Example Syntax
<IMG SRC="MYFILE.GIF" ALIGN=TOP>

ALINK

Compliance
Syntax
ALINK="#RRGGBB">
Definition

The ALINK attribute defines the color of the "active link." Change the color mix used by ALINK by specifying color saturation in red (R), green (G), and blue (B). You can specify generic colors by specifying RED, GREEN, BLUE, and so on.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<BODY ALINK="#FFFFFF">

ALL

Compliance
Syntax
ALL
Definition

ALL is an variable used in the CLEAR attribute, which formats text to appear along the left, right, or below a line break.

Category

Dividers

Example Syntax
<BR CLEAR=ALL>

AU

Compliance
Syntax
<AU>...</AU>
Definition

The <AU> tag is used to identify the author(s) of an HTML document. This tag is most commonly used by groups of HTML authors working in a cooperative environment. The <AU> tag often appears in corporate and commercially-prepared Web pages. Client browsers do not display this text.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<AU>Authors: Harold and Tim Robbins. Copyright 1996.</AU>

B

Compliance
Syntax
<B>...</B>
Definition

This tag displays the text between the tags in bold when viewed with a browser.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<B>Take $90 worth of books for only $3.</B>
In Actual Use

Figure 3.1: This is an application of the <B> tag.

Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <B> <B> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
*
<ADDRESS>
*
<B>
*
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
*
<CODE>
*
*
<DD>
 
*
<DT>
 
*
<EM>
*
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<I>
*
*
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
*
<LI>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<SAMP>
*
*
<STRONG>
*
*
<TT>
*
*
<VAR>
*
*


BACKGROUND

Compliance
Syntax
BACKGROUND="myfile.jpg"
Definition

BACKGROUND is an attribute of the <BODY> tag. The BACKGROUND attribute allows the HTML author to specify a graphics file to be tiled behind all other text and graphics on a page.

Category

Backgrounds/Colors

Example Syntax
<BODY BACKGROUND="images/clouds.jpg">
In Actual Use

Figure 3.2: This is an application of the BACKGROUND tag.


BANNER

Compliance
Syntax
<BANNER>...</BANNER>
Definition

The <BANNER> tag directs the HTML 3 compliant browser to render the <BANNER> graphic unmovable while the user scrolls the remainder of the content.

Category
Example Syntax
<BANNER>This is our Home Page!</BANNER>

BASEFONT SIZE

Compliance
Syntax
<BASEFONT SIZE=...>
Definition

The <BASEFONT SIZE> tag gives the author a way to establish or re-establish the default font size for all text that follows in the same document. All fonts are sized the same unless otherwise specified farther in the document. This tag is very useful to authors who are pasting large quantities of block text into HTML documents, that is, Internet publishers. The <BASEFONT SIZE> tag relegates the stated font size to an effective zero. Once the <BASEFONT SIZE> is established, authors use +1 or -1 to singly increment the size either larger or smaller from zero. The default <BASEFONT SIZE> is three unless otherwise specified using the <BASEFONT SIZE> tag.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<BASEFONT SIZE=4>

BASE HREF

Compliance
Syntax
<BASE HREF=...>
Definition

The <BASE HREF> tag can be included in every page so that a reader can easily go to the home page if the reader has bypassed it to get to the current page.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<BASE HREF="http://www.askamerica.com/index.htm">
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Elemen Can Be Used Inside <BASE HREF> <BASE HREF> Can Be Used Inside This Element Find It on Page Number
<HEAD>  
*
76


BASE TARGET

Compliance
Syntax
<BASE TARGET="...">
Definition

Netscape supports the use of named windows. The TARGET tag gives the user the ability to name and open windows as long as the client browser is Netscape Navigator. Windows must be named in the HTML document's header in the same way variables are declared by programmers using traditional programming languages. The author may specify a default window to be opened in lieu of other named windows should that secondary window not be named and a TARGET window be called by a hyperlink.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<BASE TARGET="ABOUT_WINDOW">

BGCOLOR

Compliance
Syntax
BGCOLOR=# ...
Definition

The BGCOLOR tag establishes the background color of the page. You can either use text-based color names such as RED, GREEN, or BLUE, or you can specify colors as a hexadecimal number.

Category

Backgrounds/Colors

Example Syntax
<BODY BGCOLOR="RED">

or

*<BODY BGCOLOR=#ff0000>

BGPROPERTIES

Compliance
Syntax
BGPROPERTIES="..."
Definition

When the author places the BGPROPERTIES tag within the <BODY>...</BODY> tags, a non-scrolling image appears on a solid background color. This image creates an impression much like that of a watermark seen on traditional stationary.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<BODY BACKGROUND="OUR_COMPANY_LOGO.GIF" BGPROPERTIES=FIXED></BODY>

BGSOUND

Compliance
Syntax
<BGSOUND=...>
Definition

The <BGSOUND> tag provides the author with a way to play a background sound file (WAV, AU, or MID) to anyone viewing their HTML document, as long as that viewer has a PC with sound capability. The sound file plays when the document is opened by the viewer. The SRC attribute indicates the physical location of the file on the server. The LOOP attribute determines the number of times the audio file is played; for example, LOOP=4 plays the file four times. The LOOP=INFINITE attribute plays the file repeatedly.

See also LOOP.

Note
Mosaic will not play a MIDI file using the BGSOUND tag.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<BGSOUND SRC="MY_SOUND_FILE.WAV" LOOP=INFINITE>

BIG

Compliance
Syntax
<BIG>...</BIG>
Definition

The <BIG>tag allows the author to raise the font size of portions of text by one size increment, without further text formatting. For example, you may want to emphasize words in a sentence by making them one font size larger.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<BIG>Search</BIG> Coolblue! Magazine for the content that interests you.
In Actual Use
Figure 3.3: This is an application of the <BIG> tag.

BLINK

Compliance
Syntax
<BLINK>...</BLINK>
Definition

Directs the browser to "blink" the specified text. Only Netscape supports this tag.

Category

Presentation Formatting

Example Syntax
<BLINK>Click on a button!</BLINK>

BLOCKQUOTE

Compliance
Syntax
<BLOCKQUOTE>...</BLOCKQUOTE>
Definition

The <BLOCKQUOTE> tag causes the client browser to indent the specified text on both sides. <BLOCKQUOTE> also includes a paragraph break before and after. Some browsers show an italic font when the <BLOCKQUOTE>tag is used.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<BLOCKQUOTE>"in the future, everybody will be famous ..." Andy Warhol.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
In Actual Use

Figure 3.4: This is an application of the <BLOCKQUOTE> tag.

Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<ADDRESS>
 
*
<BLOCKQUOTE>
*
*
<BODY>
*
 
<DD>
*
 
<DIR>
 
*
<DL>
 
*
<FORM>
*
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<HR>
 
*
<ISINDEX>
 
*
<LI>
 
*
<MENU>
*
 
<OL>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<UL>
 
*


BODY

Compliance
Syntax
<BODY>...</BODY>
Definition

All text, images, and formatting visible to the user must occur between the <BODY>...</BODY>tags. Comment, <HEAD>, and other "for your eyes only" lines should occur before the <BODY> tag to prevent these lines from being displayed by the client browser.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<BODY> Your entire HTML document goes here... </BODY>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <BODY> <BODY> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<ADDRESS>
*
 
<BACKGROUND>
*
 
<BGCOLOR>
*
 
<BGMARGIN>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
*
 
<BODY>
*
 
<DIR>
*
 
<DL>
*
 
<FORM>
*
 
<H1>
*
 
<H2>
*
 
<H3>
*
 
<H4>
*
 
<H5>
*
 
<H6>
*
 
<HR>
*
 
<HTML>
 
*
<ISINDEX>
*
 
<LINK>
*
 
<MENU>
*
 
<OL>
*
 
<P>
*
 
<PRE>
*
 
<TEXT>
*
 
<TOPMARGIN>
*
 
<UL>
*
 
<VLINK>
*
 


BORDER

Compliance
Syntax
BORDER= ...
Definition

Draws a border around a table or an image. The author can specify the color or the width of the border in pixels.

Category

Presentation Formatting

Example Syntax
<P><A HREF="MY_URL"><img src="images/netscape.gif"
alt="[Netscape Icon]" border=5 </P>

BQ

Compliance
Syntax
<BQ>...</BQ>
Definition

The <BQ> tag is synonymous with the <BLOCKQUOTE> tag. The <BQ> tag directs the client browser to indent both before and after each line of text. <BQ> causes a paragraph break before and after. Some browsers display an italic font with <BQ>.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<BQ>"in the future, everybody will be famous ...." Andy
Warhol.</BQ>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Inside Be Used <BQ> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<ADDRESS>
 
*
<BLOCKQUOTE>
*
*
<BODY>
*
 
<DD>
*
 
<DIR>
 
*
<DL>
 
*
<FORM>
*
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<HR>
 
*
<ISINDEX>
 
*
<LI>
 
*
<MENU>
*
 
<OL>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<UL>
 
*

BR

Compliance
Syntax
<BR>
Definition

The <BR> tag directs the client browser to insert a line break in an HTML document. If the <BR> tag is used with the <IMG> tag, text following an image can be aligned with the left or right side of the image. The CLEAR attribute can used, in conjunction with an image, to center text directly below an image. The <BR> tag (used alone) has the same effect as a carriage return on a typewriter. The <BR> tag can follow text on the same line, or it can be on a line of its own.

Category

Presentation Formatting

Example Syntax
My Name<BR>
My Street Address<BR>
My City, My State, My Zip<BR>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <BODY> <BR> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
 
*
<ADDRESS>
 
*
<B>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
 
*
<CLEAR>
 
*
<CODE>
 
*
<DD>
 
*
<DT>
 
*
<EM>
 
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<I>
 
*
<KBD>
 
*
<LI>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<SAMP>
 
*
<STRONG>
 
*
<TT>
 
*
<VAR>
 
*


CAPTION

Compliance
Syntax
<CAPTION>...</CAPTION>
Definition

The <CAPTION>tag places a header or caption directly before the rows and columns of a table. <CAPTION> and its attributes must be included within the <TABLE> tags. A caption can be aligned to either the TOP, which is the default, or BOTTOM of the text line. The <CAPTION> tag centers enclosed text on the line.

Category

Tables

Example Syntax
<TABLE><CAPTION>Captions are centered by
default</CAPTION></TABLE>

CELLPADDING

Compliance
Syntax
CELLPADDING=...
Definition

Specifies the thickness of a cell wall in a frame.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
CELLPADDING=3

CELLSPACING

Compliance
Syntax
CELLSPACING=...
Definition

CELLSPACINGis an attribute used in creating tables. The CELLSPACING attribute directs the browser to display the specified number of blank spaces between the cell borders and the content of the cell.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
CELLSPACING=3

CENTER

Compliance
Syntax
<CENTER>...</CENTER>
Definition

As a stand-alone HTML tag (not an attribute of another HTML tag) <CENTER>directs the client browser to center text or an image. Some HTML tags, such as the <BLOCKQUOTE> and <BQ> tags, also center by default. Since CENTER is also used as an attribute of many other HTML tags, check the context of CENTER in any HTML tag using the CENTER attribute for complete usage and definition in context.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<CENTER>Any text or image can be centered by the browser.</CENTER>

CHECKED

Compliance
Syntax
CHECKED
Definition

The CHECKED tag sets the default setting of a check box or radio button to "on" or "checked" by default.

Category

Forms

Example Syntax
<INPUT CHECKED>

CIRCLE

Compliance
Syntax
...=CIRCLE
Definition

CIRCLE one of three attributes of the AREA SHAPE tag/attribute combination. The CIRCLE attribute specifies that the shape of the clickable part of an image is in the shape of a circle.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<AREA SHAPE=CIRCLE/MAP>

CITE

Compliance
Syntax
<CITE>...</CITE>
Definition

Text within the <CITE> tag is italicized.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<CITE>This text will be italicized.</CITE>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <CITE> <CITE>Can Be Used Inside Element
<A>
*
*
<ADDRESS>
 
*
<B>
*
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
*
<CODE>
*
*
<DD>
 
*
<DT>
 
*
<EM>
*
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<I>
*
*
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
*
<LI>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<STRONG>
*
*
<SAMP>
*
*
<TT>
*
*
<VAR>
*
*


CODE

Compliance
Syntax
<CODE>...</CODE>
Definition

Text within the<CODE>tag appears in a monospace font when viewed through a browser. The author may tailor the font in size, font name, or other font treatment.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<CODE>This text is displayed using Courier New.</CODE>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <CODE> <CODE> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
*
<ADDRESS>
 
*
<IMG>
*
 
<B>
*
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
*
<CODE>
*
*
<DD>
 
*
<DT>
 
*
<EM>
*
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<I>
*
*
<KBD>
*
*
<LI>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<SAMP>
*
*
<STRONG>
*
*
<TT>
*
*
<VAR>
*
*


COMMENT

Compliance
Syntax
<COMMENT>...</COMMENT>
Definition

The <COMMENT> tag tells the client browser to ignore text between the tags. The <COMMENT>tags are used to embed text in an HTML document, yet make it visible to those who read the HTML source code for that document. <COMMENT> is popular with those who are sharing documents with multiple authors, allowing the tracing of individual edits (and dates of those edits) among multiple authors in a work group environment. Well commented source code is generally accepted as an instrument of professional programmers worldwide.

See !-- for more on inserting comments into HTML documents.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<COMMENT>Last edited by Bob Mullen, 8/15/96.</COMMENT>

COMPACT

Compliance
Syntax
... COMPACT
Definition

Most often used with the <MENU> tag, the COMPACT attribute directs the client browser to minimize spaces between individual paragraphs of text in a menu list.

Category

Lists

Example Syntax
<MENU COMPACT>

CONTENT

Compliance
Syntax
<META...CONTENT="...">
Definition

CONTENT is an attribute of the <META> tag. The CONTENT attribute, when used in conjunction with the HTTP-EQUIV and REFRESH attributes, determines how often the specified image [URL] is to be refreshed on the browser screen, in seconds.

See also META.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<META HTTP-EQUIV="REFRESH" CONTENT=2
URL=HTTP://www.bob.nuts.htm>

CONTROLS

Compliance

Syntax
... CONTROLS
Definition

CONTROLS is an attribute of the <IMG> tag. The CONTROLS attribute directs the browser to display a VCR-like panel of buttons below the display of an AVI file or video clip. This panel of buttons can be used to control the playing of the video clip.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<IMG DYNSRC="MY_CLIP.AVI" CONTROLS>

COORDS

Compliance
Syntax
COORDS=...
Definition

This attribute indicates the vector coordinates that are intended to be "clickable" in an image map. Image maps must be supported by the server for any client browsers to render them properly. Some ISPs do not support image maps because of legacy server software. In the following example, the user clicks within the coordinates of the image map to link the specified Web site.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="150, 25, 250, 125">

CREDIT

Compliance
Syntax
<CREDIT>...</CREDIT>
Definition

This tag is used to indicate credit for material included in a document. Credit is often given to sources and individuals who are being quoted directly.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<CREDIT>Photo used by permission of The Bettman
Archives.</CREDIT>

DD

Compliance
Syntax
<DD>...</DD>
Definition

The <DD> tag is part of the formatting of a definition list. The <DD> tag directs the client browser to display an indented definition below the definition term. The <DD> and <DD>> tags are useful, for example, in formatting multiple glossary or dictionary entries in an HTML document.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<DD><IMG SRC="IMAGES/BULLET2.GIF" ALT="[BULLET]" THE
BUTTON TAKES YOU BACK HOME TO THE FRONT COVER ... </DD>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <DD> <DD> Can Be Used Inside This Element Find It on Page Number
<A>
*
 
20
<IMG>
*
 
83-85, 94-95
<B>
*
 
24-26
<BLOCKQUOTE>
*
 
33-35
<BR>
*
 
37-38
<CITE>
*
 
42-43
<CODE>
*
 
43-44
<DD>
*
 
48
<DIR>
*
 
50
<DL>
*
*
52
<EM>
*
 
55
<FORM>
*
 
60-62
<I>
*
 
81-82
<ISINDEX>
*
 
87-88
<KBD>
*
 
90-91
<MENU>
*
 
100
<OL>
*
 
107-108
<P>
*
 
110-111
<PRE>
*
 
113-114
<SAMP>
*
 
116-117
<STRONG>
*
 
124-125
<TT>
*
 
138-139
<UL>
*
 
140
<VAR>
*
 
142-143


DEL

Compliance
Syntax
<DEL>...</DEL>
Definition

The <DEL> tag provides the author with a method of noting document content that has been deleted from the working body of the document as rendered by the client browser. This tag is most useful to groups of authors who edit shared HTML documents or to authors who are editing a document with a revised URL.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<DEL>The upcoming celebration will be held in Nevada City!</DEL>

DFN

Compliance
Syntax
<DFN>...</DFN>
Definition

DFN stands for "defining instance." The<DFN> tag is used to delineate sub-definitions in a definition. A similar effect is found in a traditional dictionary where there are multiple definitions for the same term. The <DFN> tag provides the author with a method of organizing multiple, related instances into a compact area as a single definition. Line feeds can arrange each defining instance onto it's own line, you can see in the "Example Syntax" section.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<DFN>This text will be displayed as a unique
"definition".</DFN>

DIR

Compliance
Syntax
<DIR>...</DIR>
Definition

The<DIR> tag provides a way for the author to create a list that is compact and has narrow columns. A common use for the<DIR> tag is in alphanumeric indexes of content. The <DIR> tag constrains each item in the list to 20 characters.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax

<DIR> <LI>NY Cities
<LI>Manhattan
<LI>Yonnkers
<LI>White Plains
<LI>Queens
<LI>Rochester</DIR>

Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <DIR> <DIR> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<DD>
 
*
<DIR COMPACT>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<LI>
*
*


DISC

Compliance
Syntax
... DISC
Definition

DISC is an attribute of the <LI> tag. If you want to bullet an entire unordered list with dots, use the DISC attribute after the <LI> tag. The client browser bullets each item in an unordered list with one of three bullets: DISC, CIRCLE, and SQUARE. DISC is the default bullet style. The author can specify any of the three attribute types on any item on a list by specifying different attributes on individual lines inside the <LI> tags.

Category

Lists

Example Syntax
TYPE=DISC

DIV

Compliance
Syntax
<DIV>...</DIV>
Definition

Divisions are another means for the author to present entire paragraphs of text. In Netscape Navigator, attributes of <DIV> are LEFT, RIGHT, and CENTER. With other client browsers, divisions are used to organize content into chapters and sections using the CLASS attribute.

Category

Structural

Example Syntax
<DIV ALIGN=CENTER>This paragraph of text will be
centered.</DIV>

DL

Compliance
Syntax
<DL>...</DL>
Definition

The <DL> tag directs the client browser to display content as a list of terms and definitions, as in a glossary. The term is displayed flush left, with the term's definition slightly indented. Definition terms are displayed within one third of the total available display area. The COMPACT attribute directs the client browser to display a definition list in the smallest area possible.

Category

Lists

Example Syntax
<DL>
<DT>Fish<DD>A reptile that dwells in water.
<DT>Bird<DD>A reptile that dwells out of water.
</DL>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <DL> <DL> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<DT>
*
 
<DD>
*
*
<FORM>
 
*
<LI>
 
*


DOCTYPE

Compliance
Syntax
<!DOCTYPE...>
Definition

The <DOCTYPE> tag is used to indicate to a server that the document is in HTML. The <DOCTYPE> tag is always placed before the <BODY> section of an HTML document.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<!DOCTYPE HTML>

DT

Compliance
Syntax
<DT>...</DT>
Definition

DT stands for "definition term." Used in definition lists, <DT>presents text as the term before the definition, aligned to the left on the page. The definition follows the term.

See DD.

Category

Lists

Example Syntax
<DL>
<DT>Fish<DD>A reptile that dwells in water.
<DT>Bird<DD>A reptile that dwells out of water.
</DL>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <DT> <DT> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<DL>
 
*
<EM>
*
 
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


DYNSRC

Compliance
Syntax
DYNSRC= ...
Definition

DYNSRC, which stands for "dynamic support," is an attribute of the <IMG> tag. The <DYNSRC> attribute specifies the location of a video or AVI clip (or VRML world) to be run in a window. Usually represented by a still image on a page, the client browser plays the file when the user moves the mouse pointer over the image or when the user clicks the representative image. AVI and VRML worlds can be played by default when a page is opened. The client browser must utilize inline video to display the DYNSRC attribute
properly.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<IMG SRC="MY_FILE.GIF" DYNSRC="MY_MOVIE.AVI">

EM

Compliance
Syntax
<EM>...</EM>
Definition

The <EM> tag, which stands for "emphasis," directs the client browser to italicize the rendering of text. Some more obscure client browsers may render text inside <EM> tags in both italics and bold for added effect.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<EM>This text is displayed in italics!</EM>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <EM> <EM> Can Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
*
<ADDRESS>
 
*
<B>
*
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
*
<CODE>
*
*
<DD>
 
*
<DT>
 
*
<EM>
*
*
<H1>
 
*
<H2>
 
*
<H3>
 
*
<H4>
 
*
<H5>
 
*
<H6>
 
*
<I>
*
*
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
*
<LI>
 
*
<P>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<SAMP>
*
*
<STRONG>
*
*
<TT>
*
*
<VAR>
*
*


EMBED

Compliance
Syntax
<EMBED ...>
Definition

The <EMBED> tag allows the author to display a file and allows that file to then be edited by the user. When the user clicks the file, the associated application on the user's machine is launched to edit the embedded file. An application must be associated with the embedded file type for the <EMBED> tag to properly perform. The WIDTH and HEIGHT attributes determine the dimensions (in pixels) of the displayed object. The original file located on the server is not edited.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<EMBED SRC="MY_IMAGES/MY_IMAGE.GIF" WIDTH=350
HEIGHT=150>

ENCTYPE

Compliance
Syntax
ENCTYPE ...
Definition

ENCTYPE is an attribute of the <FORM> tag. The ENCTYPE attribute uploads a file to the server based on input from the user. The user names the form to be uploaded in a text box in a form. When the user clicks the submit button, the file is sent to the specified URL (a location on the server).

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<FORM ENCTYPE="FILENAME" ACTION="MY_URL" METHOD=POST>

FIGURE

Compliance
Syntax
<FIGURE>...</FIGURE>
Definition

The <FIGURE>tag tells the client browser to display the image file (an URL) named within the <FIGURE> tag.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<FIGURE SRC="/IMAGES/MY_IMAGE.GIF"></figure>

FILEOPEN

Compliance
Syntax
START=FILEOPEN
Definition

FILEOPEN is an attribute of the <IMG> tag. Used to play a video clip, the FILEOPEN attribute instructs the client browser to play the video clip immediately once the file is opened by the user.

See also DYNSRC, MOUSEOVER, and LOOP.

Category

Links and Graphics

Example Syntax
<IMG SRC="MY_IMAGE.GIF" DYNSRC="MY_BARBEQUE.AVI" START=FILEOPEN>

FONT

Compliance
Syntax
<FONT>...</FONT>
Definition

The <FONT> tag provides the author with a means of customizing how text appears with regards to font type, size, and color as well as other attributes. While most client browsers accept manipulation of text with most <FONT> attributes, some browsers accept more attributes than others. For example, Internet Explorer's FACE attribute of the <FONT> tag is not recognized by other client browsers.

Category

Presentation Formatting

Example Syntax
<FONT FACE="Arial,Lucida Sans,Times Roman" COLOR=RED FONT SIZE=-1>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <FONT> <FONT> Can Be Used Inside This Element
Find It on Page Number
COLOR
*
 
59
FACE
 
*
59
SIZE
*
 
60, 87, 120, 121
 
 


FONT COLOR

Compliance
Syntax
<FONT COLOR=...>
Definition

The COLOR attribute of the <FONT> tag determines the color applied to the text between the <FONT>...</FONT> tags. Color can be selected using two different criteria. The first is by naming the actual color (for example, RED, BLUE, and so on). The second is by specifying the shade using a hexidecimal reference that indicates the percentages of red, green, and blue. The "Example Syntax" section indicates the color of red in hexadecimal format. Some browsers do not recognize the use of hexadecimal when specifying colors.

Category

Presentation Formatting

Example Syntax
<FONT COLOR=#ff0000>This text is RED!</FONT>

FONT FACE

Compliance
Syntax
<FONT FACE=...>
Definition

The FACE attribute is an attribute of the<FONT> tag. The author can name the font used to display text. The author may specify up to three fonts, each to be used in the event that the preceding font is not available on the client browser's system. If the specified fonts are not found on the client browser's system, the browser uses its default font.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<FONT FACE="CG OMEGA,Lucida Sans,Arial"></FONT>

FONT SIZE

Compliance
Syntax
<FONT SIZE=...>
Definition

The SIZE is an attribute of <FONT> tag. The author can change the relative size of a font by specifying how much larger or smaller the font should appear. The SIZE attribute increases or decreases the SIZE of the BASEFONT setting. To instruct the client browser to make the font size one size larger, the statement reads <FONT SIZE=+1>; in other words, the font size one size larger than the BASEFONT size whether that be default or author-defined. The default BASEFONT size is 3. The acceptable settings for the SIZE attribute are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in both positive and negative.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<FONT SIZE=+1></FONT>

FORM

Compliance
Syntax
<FORM>...</FORM>
Definition

The <FORM> tag provides a means of accepting input from the user. Information collected on a form can be displayed by the browser or sent to the server. Several attributes can be used with the <FORM> tag. Forms are normally a collection of inputs on a page. Users can click check boxes, radio buttons, and drop-down lists to make selections. Users can also enter text into text boxes. When the user clicks the submit button, the contents of the form are processed. The attributes of the <FORM> tag are too numerous to detail here. Use the jump table to find descriptions of relative tags and attributes on other pages of this book.

Category

Forms

Example Syntax
<P><FORM ACTION="FEEDBACK.HTM" METHOD="POST"><INPUT
TYPE="HIDDEN" </P></FORM>
In Actual Use

Figure 3.5: This is an example of a form's drop-down list and text boxes.

Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <FORM> <FORM> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<ACTION>
*
 
<ADDRESS>
*
 
<ALIGN>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
*
*
<CHECKED>
*
 
<CONTROL>
*
 
<DD>
 
*
<DIR>
*
 
<DL>
*
 
<H2>
*
 
<H3>
*
 
<H4>
*
 
<H5>
*
 
<H6>
*
 
<HR>
*
 
<INPUT>
*
 
<ISINDEX>
*
 
<LI>
 
*
<MAXLENGTH>
*
 
<MENU>
*
 
<METHOD>
*
 
<NAME>
*
 
<OL>
*
 
<P>
*
 
<POST>
*
 
<PRE>
*
 
<SELECT>
*
 
<SIZE>
*
 
<SRC>
*
 
<TEXTAREA>
*
 
<UL>
*
 
<VALUE>
*
 


FRAME

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAME...>
Definition

Netscape provides the Web author with the ability to create windows called frames. When used alone, the <FRAME> tag simply defines a single frame that's part of a group of frames called a frameset. The <FRAME>tag can utilize six attributes that determine the functionality and dimensions of the frame: FRAME NAME, FRAME MARGINWIDTH, FRAME MARGINHEIGHT, FRAME NORESIZE, FRAME SCROLLING, and FRAME SRC. These attributes are described in detail on other pages of this book.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax

See the six attributes for the <FRAME> tag for examples of usage.


FRAME MARGINHEIGHT

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAME MARGINHEIGHT= "...">
Definition

The MARGINHEIGHT attribute of the <FRAME>tag determines how much vertical space (in pixels) exists between the object located in a frame and the top or bottom inside edges of that frame. The client browser determines the appropriate MARGINHEIGHT if none is specified in the HTML document.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAME MARGINHEIGHT=2>

FRAME MARGINWIDTH

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAME MARGINWIDTH="...">
Definition

The MARGINWIDTH attribute of the <FRAME><FRAME>tag determines how much horizontal space (in pixels) exists between the object located in a frame and the left or right inside edges of that frame. The client browser determines the appropriate MARGINWIDTH if none is specified in the HTML document.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAME MARGINWIDTH=2>

FRAME NAME

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAME NAME="...">
Definition

The NAME attribute gives the HTML author the ability to name to <FRAME>windows that hyperlinks in other HTML documents can target. The NAME attribute of the <FRAME>tag is optional and must use alphanumeric characters.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAME NAME="MY_FRAME">

FRAME NORESIZE

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAME NORESIZE>
Definition

The NORESIZE attribute tells the client browser that the frame is not resizable by the user. Users typically resize frames by dragging a frame edge to a new position. The edge of an adjacent frame affected by the FRAME NORESIZE attribute is non-resizable. By default, Netscape allows all frames to be resized.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAME NORESIZE>

FRAME SCROLLING

Compliance
Syntax
FRAME SCROLLING="..."
Definition

The HTML author can enable scroll bar capability to a frame. YES always displays scroll bars on that frame. The three possible settings are

FRAME SCROLLING=YES
FRAME SCROLLING=NO
FRAME SCROLLING=AUTO

The AUTO setting only displays a scroll bar when more content exists than can be seen in the frame. Netscape uses the AUTO setting by default.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
FRAME SCROLLING=AUTO

FRAME SRC

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAME SRC="...">
Definition

The HTML author can tell the client browser to display the contents of an HTML document in a frame by using the FRAME SRC="..." attribute. Apply the standard rules for using any URL with the SRC attribute.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAME SRC="HTTP://WWW.MY_HTML_DOCUMENT.HTM>

FRAMESET

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAMESET "...">
Definition

The FRAMESET tag defines the region of the screen in which the client browser constructs a frame. All FRAME dimensions and attributes are placed inside the FRAMESET tag. The FRAMESET tag must be used in lieu of the <BODY>...</BODY> tags or frames are not shown by the client browser. The FRAMESET tag and its attributes can be nested within other FRAMESET tags and attributes.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<HTML>
<HEAD>
</HEAD>
<FRAMESET>
</FRAMESET>
</HTML>

FR`AMESET ROWS

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAMESET ROWS="...">
Definition

The ROWS attribute when used with the FRAMESET tag determines the width of each frame in pixels, percentage of available space, or at the browser's discretion. Variables (settings) for this attribute must be separated by commas. The "*" setting directs the browser to determine the optimum row size. The author may assign multiple settings that match the number of frames. The author can assign any combination of the three available setting types, separated by commas. By placing a number before the "*" setting (for example, "2*") in a compound setting statement, the author directs the client browser to double its assignment of space based on its assessment of the space available.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAMESET ROWS=25>
<FRAMESET ROWS="50%">
<FRAMESET ROWS="*">
<FRAMESET ROWS="25,2*,50%">

FRAMESET COLS

Compliance
Syntax
<FRAMESET COLS="...">
Definition

The COLS attribute when used with the FRAMESET tag determines the height of each frame in pixels, percentage of available space, or at the browser's discretion. Variables (settings) for this attribute must be separated by commas. The "*" setting directs the browser to determine the optimum column size. The author may assign multiple settings that match the number of frames. The author can assign any combination of the three available setting types, separated by commas. By placing a number before the "*" setting (for example, "2*") in a compound setting statement, the author directs the client browser to double its assignment of space based on its assessment of the space available.

Category

Frames

Example Syntax
<FRAMESET COLS="25">
<FRAMESET COLS ="50%">
<FRAMESET COLS ="*">
<FRAMESET ROWS="25,2*,50%">
In Actual Use
Figure 3.6: The Netscape Web pages exhibit an exciting use of frames.

H1

Compliance
Syntax
<H1>...</H1>
Definition

H1 stands for "heading 1," a first-level heading in a body of text. The client browser presents text inside the <H1> tag in a predetermined font presentation. There are six headings numbered one through six.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<H1>How about a little <B><I>CoolBlue!</I></B> feedback?
</H1>
In Actual Use

Figure 3.7: This is the result of the example syntax.

Related Elements
Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <FRAME> <FRAME> Can Be UsedInside This Element
<A>
*
 
ALIGN
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


H2

Compliance
Syntax
<H2>...</H2>
Definition

H2 stands for "heading 2," a second-level heading in a body of text. The client browser presents text inside the <H2> tag in a predetermined font presentation.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<H2><IMG SRC="BUTT07B.GIF" HEIGHT=80 WIDTH=112
ALIGN=LEFT> OK, <B><I>CoolBlue!</I></B> ... What's New?
</H2>
In Actual Use

Figure 3.8: This is the result of the example syntax.

Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <H2> <H2> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
ALIGN
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


H3

Compliance
Syntax
<H3>...</H3>
Definition

H3 stands for "heading 3," a third-level heading in a body of text. The client browser presents text inside the <H3> tag in a predetermined font presentation.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<H2>Your heading text goes here...</H2>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <H3> <H3> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
ALIGN
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


H4

Compliance
Syntax
<H4> .... </H4>
Definition

H4 stands for "heading 4," a fourth-level heading in a body of text. The client browser presents text inside the <H4> tag in a predetermined font presentation.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<H4>Your heading text goes here...</H4>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <H4> <H4> CanBe Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
ALIGN
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


H5

Compliance

Syntax
<H5>...</H5>
Definition

H5 stands for "heading 5," a fifth-level heading in a body of text. The client browser presents text inside the <H5> tag in a predetermined font presentation.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<H5>Your heading text goes here...</H5>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <H5> <H5> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
ALIGN
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


H6

Compliance

Syntax
<H6>...</H6>
Definition

H6 stands for "heading 6," a sixth-level heading in a body of text. The client browser presents text inside the <H6> tag in a predetermined font presentation.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<H6>Your heading text goes here...</H6>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <H6> <H6> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<A>
*
 
ALIGN
*
 
<B>
*
 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
 
*
<BODY>
 
*
<BR>
*
 
<CITE>
*
 
<CODE>
*
 
<EM>
*
 
<FORM>
 
*
<I>
*
 
<IMG>
*
 
<KBD>
*
 
<SAMP>
*
 
<STRONG>
*
 
<TT>
*
 
<VAR>
*
 


HEAD

Compliance

Syntax
<HEAD>...</HEAD>
Definition

The <HEAD> tag begins (and ends) a part of an HTML document that refers to the document's usage context. The <TITLE> tag is normally enclosed in the <HEAD> tag, as is the <META> tag.

Category

Structural Definition

Example Syntax
<HEAD>
<TITLE>CoolBlue! ... Your Watchdog Computer
Magazine</TITLE>
<META NAME="GENERATOR" content="Mozilla/2.01Gold
(Win32)">
</HEAD>
Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Can Be Used Inside <HEAD> <HEAD> Can Be Used Inside This Element
<BASE>
*
 
<HTML>
 
*
<ISINDEX>
*
 
<META>
*
 
<NEXTID>
*
 
<TITLE>
*
 


HR

Compliance

Syntax
<HR>
Definition

The <HR> tag draws a horizontal rule that is self-justifying and shaded for a 3-D look by default. The ALIGN attribute of <HR> can set the rule to justify to the LEFT, CENTER, or RIGHT. The NOSHADE attribute of <HR> removes the rule's default shade. The HEIGHT attribute of <HR> determines the height of the rule. The <HR> tag also accepts a WIDTH attribute that allows the HTML author to specify the width of a rule in either pixels or in the percentage of the available display space.

Category

Miscellaneous

Example Syntax
<HR>
In Actual Use

Figure 3.9: This is an example of the <HR> tag.

Related Elements

Related ElementsThis Element Can Be Used Inside <HR> <HR> Can Be Used Inside This Element
ALIGN
 
*
<BLOCKQUOTE>
*
 
<BODY>
*
 
<FORM>
*
 
<NOSHADE>
 
*
<PRE>
 
*
<SIZE>
 
*
<WIDTH>
 
*


HREF

Compliance

Syntax
<HREF...>
Definition

The <HREF> tag precedes a specified hypertext link.

The <HREF> tag can refer to