Using Option Selected To Define A Default Selection In Drop-Down List

Attribute of

<option> HTML Tag

What does Using Option Selected To Define A Default Selection In Drop-Down List do?

Defines the default selection in a drop-down list.

Code Example

<p><strong>Select your favorite species of flamingo.</strong></p>

<select name="favorites">
          <option value="American">American flamingo</option>
          <option value="Greater">Greater flamingo</option>
          <option value="Lesser">Lesser flamingo</option>
          <option selected value="Andean">Andean flamingo</option>
          <option value="Chilean">Chilean flamingo</option>
          <option value="James's">James's flamingo</option>
</select>

Convenient Form Entry

The selected attribute allows you to set one of your <option> lines as the default. This is a good technique to speed up data entry if the majority of visitors are likely to select the same option.

Claire Broadley

Claire is seasoned technical writer, editor, and HTML enthusiast. She writes for HTML.com and runs a content agency, Red Robot Media.

Browser Support for selected

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