Tag <select> HTML Reference



Example

Create a drop-down list with four options:

<select>
  <option value="red">Red</option>
  <option value="green">Green</option>
  <option value="blue">Blue</option>
</select>

Browser Support

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

1. Definition and Usage

The <select> tag is used to create a drop-down list.

The <option> tags inside the <select> element define the available options in the list.


2. Tips and Notes

Tip: The <select> element is a form control and is used to collect user input.


3. Differences Between HTML and XHTML

None


4. 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 a drop-down list should be disabled STF
multiple multiple Specifies that multiple options can be selected at once STF
name name Defines a name for the drop-down list STF
size number Defines the number of visible options in a drop-down list STF

5. Standard Attributes

The <select> 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
tabindex number Specifies the tab order of 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

6. Event Attributes

The <select> tag supports the following event attributes:

Attribute Value Description DTD
onblur script Script to be run when an element loses focus STF
onchange script Script to be run when an element change STF
onclick script Script to be run on a mouse click STF
ondblclick script Script to be run on a mouse double-click STF
onfocus script Script to be run when an element gets focus 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

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