Global Attributes

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Most HTML attributes are specified to be used with particular elements. However, several attributes are available for use on all HTML elements. These are called global attributes.

accesskey: Defines a shortcut key which can be used to select or activate the element.

<p><a href="/" title="Home" accesskey="h">This link to the home page has an `accesskey` value of `h`.</a> </p>
Press <kbd>alt</kbd> + <kbd>H</kbd> (<kbd>control</kbd> + <kbd>alt</kbd> + <kbd>H</kbd> on Mac) to go home.

This link to the home page has an `accesskey` value of `h`.
Press alt + H (control + alt + H on Mac) to go home.

class: Specifies one or more classes to which the element belongs. Classes are often used as selectors for CSS rules and JavaScript functions.
contenteditable: Specifies whether or not the content of the element is editable.; New in HTML5.
contextmenu: Identies a <menu> element which is to be used as a contextual menu (right-click menu) for the element.; New in HTML5.; Not implemented in most browsers.
data-*: Defines an element-specific data-store which can be accessed by JavaScript.; New in HTML5.
dir: Specifies the text direction (rtl or ltr) for the content inside the element
draggable: Specifies whether or not an element can be moved (click-and-drag) by the user.; New in HTML5.
dropzone: Specifies how data from a dragged element is treated when dropped.; New in HTML5.; Not implemented in most browsers.
hidden: Hides an element from view.; New in HTML5.
id: Defines a unique id for an element. IDs are often used as selectors for CSS and JavaScript, and can also be linked to in a URL (example.com/page#element-id).
lang: Identifies the language of the element’s content.
spellcheck: Specifies whether the browser should check the spelling and grammar of the element’s content.; New in HTML5.
style: Contains inline CSS styles for the element.; Not usually recommended. (Use an external stylesheet or, if needed, the <style> element.)
tabindex: Specifies the order in which elements will come into focus when the page is tabbed through.
title: Specifies a title, name, or arbitrary information about the element. The title is usually displayed as a tool-tip when the user hovers over the element.
translate: Specifies whether or not the element’s contents should be translated.; New in HTML5.; Not implemented in most browsers. (May be implemented in translation tools and plugins.)

Adam Wood

Adam is a technical writer who specializes in developer documentation and tutorials.