Using br To Insert Line Breaks In HTML: Here's How

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What does Using br To Insert Line Breaks In HTML: Here's How do?

The <br> element is used to insert a line break or carriage-return within a parent element such as a paragraph without breaking out of the parent container.

Display

inline

Usage

textual

Code Example

This sentence and the next will be on different lines.<br>This sentence and the one before will be on different lines.

Don’t abuse line breaks

The <br> element creates a line break. It can be easy to abuse this element to create styling which that mimics better, more semantic options like paragraphs ( <p> ) and lists. Generally, the <br> element should only be used if the line break itself is an intrinsic part of the content. This might be the case, for example, with:

• addresses
• poetry
• code samples

John Smith<br> c/o Jane Smythe<br> 123 Main St.<br> Northeast Southwestershire, XY 12345 

<blockquote> <p>Out of the night that covers me,<br> Black as the pit from pole to pole,<br> I thank whatever gods may be<br> For my unconquerable soul.</p> <p>In the fell clutch of circumstance<br> I have not winced nor cried aloud.<br> Under the bludgeonings of chance<br> My head is bloody, but unbowed.</p> <p>Beyond this place of wrath and tears<br> Looms but the Horror of the shade,<br> And yet the menace of the years<br> Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.</p> <p>It matters not how strait the gate,<br> How charged with punishments the scroll,<br> I am the master of my fate:<br> I am the captain of my soul.</p> — <cite>Invictus</cite>, by William Ernest Henley </blockquote> 

If you find yourself using <br> to separate blocks of texts, you may need to think about using paragraph tags or another element. If you are using them to create more space between items, you should use CSS margin.

Adam Wood

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

Browser Support for br

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