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by Ian Lloyd

onfocus (HTML attribute)

Browser support full matrix
IE5.5+ FF1+ Saf1.3+ Op9.2+
Full Full Full Full
Spec
Version
HTML 4
onfocus="call_script_function();"

Example

The input below uses the onfocus attribute to trigger a piece of JavaScript that does some magic with the content found in the title attribute when the user tabs to that particular form input or places the mouse cursor inside the text field.

<input type="text" title="Date format = DD/MM/YYYY" onfocus="revealTitleHelp();" name="dateofbirth" />

Description

The onfocus attribute will captures the moment when an element receives ‘focus of attention’. This can be when a user clicks inside of an element that can be activated or manipulated, for example a form input element or select element, both of which are used for data entry, or an a element which can be activated with the Return key.

Typically, this attribute is used to highlight the current section of the page that has focus (a useful usability enhancement, particularly for people with low vision) or to provide additional information (for example, when completing a form, additional help text may appear alongside the form input that currently has focus).

Value

There is no fixed value - it is up to the author/developer what scripting goes in here, be that a call to one or more defined functions or a simple alert() statement.

Compatibility

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

Every browser listed supports this attribute, but should be avoided as it encourages mixing of content and behaviour.

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