Example
A drop-down list with four options:<select>
<option>Volvo</option>
<option>Saab</option>
<option>Mercedes</option>
<option>Audi</option>
</select>
Definition and Usage
The <option> tag defines an option in a select list.The option element goes inside the select element.
Browser Support
The <option> tag is supported in all major browsers.
Differences Between HTML and XHTML
In HTML the <option> tag has no end tag.In XHTML the <option> tag must be properly closed.
Tips and Notes
Tip: If you have a long list of options, you can group together related options with the <optgroup> tag.Optional Attributes
DTD indicates in which HTML 4.01/XHTML 1.0 DTD the attribute is allowed. S=Strict, T=Transitional, and F=Frameset.Attribute | Value | Description | DTD |
---|---|---|---|
disabled | disabled | Specifies that an option should be disabled | STF |
label | text | Specifies a shorter label for an option | STF |
selected | selected | Specifies that an option should be selected by default | STF |
value | text | Specifies the value to be sent to a server when a form is submitted | STF |
Standard Attributes
The <option> tag supports the following standard attributes:Attribute | Value | Description | DTD |
---|---|---|---|
class | classname | Specifies a classname for an element | STF |
dir | rtl ltr | Specifies the text direction for the content in an element | STF |
id | id | Specifies a unique id for an element | STF |
lang | language_code | Specifies a language code for the content in an element | STF |
style | style_definition | Specifies an inline style for an element | STF |
title | text | Specifies extra information about an element | STF |
xml:lang | language_code | Specifies a language code for the content in an element, in XHTML documents | STF |
Event Attributes
The <option> tag supports the following event attributes:Attribute | Value | Description | DTD |
---|---|---|---|
onclick | script | Script to be run on a mouse click | STF |
ondblclick | script | Script to be run on a mouse double-click | STF |
onmousedown | script | Script to be run when mouse button is pressed | STF |
onmousemove | script | Script to be run when mouse pointer moves | STF |
onmouseout | script | Script to be run when mouse pointer moves out of an element | STF |
onmouseover | script | Script to be run when mouse pointer moves over an element | STF |
onmouseup | script | Script to be run when mouse button is released | STF |
onkeydown | script | Script to be run when a key is pressed | STF |
onkeypress | script | Script to be run when a key is pressed and released | STF |
onkeyup | script | Script to be run when a key is released | STF |