clear (HTML attribute)
| IE5.5+ | FF1+ | Saf1.3+ | Op9.2+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | Full | Full | Full |
| Depr. | Version |
|---|---|
| Yes | HTML 3.2 |
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
| IE | 5.5 | Full |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | Full | |
| 7.0 | Full | |
| Firefox | 1.0 | Full |
| 1.5 | Full | |
| 2.0 | Full | |
| Safari | 1.3 | Full |
| 2.0 | Full | |
| 3.0 | Full | |
| Opera | 9.2 | Full |
| 9.5 | Full |
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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