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by Ian Lloyd

clear (HTML attribute)

Browser support full matrix
IE5.5+ FF1+ Saf1.3+ Op9.2+
Full Full Full Full
Spec
Depr. Version
Yes HTML 3.2
clear="
{ all | left | none | right }
"

Example

A br with a clear attribute to take content below a right-aligned image:

<p><img src="pool.jpg" alt="sitting by the pool" align="right" />
The rest of the day was a lazy one, partly spent by the complex
pool, partly inside watching British TV, but we couldn't be doing
this for the rest of the holiday. Already we were missing having
the car!
<br clear="all" />
I decided to check out what the weather would be doing for the next
few days, as that would help us make any decisions about future
excursions.
</p>

Description

The clear attribute is a deprecated (presentational) attribute that is used for the purposes of clearing any pre-existing right or left alignments, such that the content after the br element appears underneath the baseline of the previously aligned element, rather than creating a line break but still having content flowing around the right or left aligned elements.

In the past, this would have most often been used to stop content wrapping around a right or left aligned image or table.

The correct way of managing alignment issues is through the use of the CSS float property, rather than the HTML align attribute, and the method for clearing is to use the CSS clear property, e.g.:

<br clear="left" /> Old fashioned HTML way

<br style="clear:left;" /> CSS way

Note that you should avoid inline CSS styles, though - the above is for direct comparison purposes only.

Value

"left" or "right" to clear previous left or right alignments respectively, "all" to clear both alignments, and "none"

Compatibility

IE5.5Full
6.0Full
7.0Full
Firefox1.0Full
1.5Full
2.0Full
Safari1.3Full
2.0Full
3.0Full
Opera9.2Full
9.5Full

Although support for this attribute is good, it is now deprecated and is highly presentational in its nature. The originally desired visual effects can all be achieved with CSS and, as such, this attribute should not be used - it is presented here for information only.

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