Skip to: content, navigation

by Ian Lloyd

readonly (HTML attribute)

Browser support full matrix
IE5.5+ FF1+ Saf1.3+ Op9.2+
Full Full Full Full
Spec
Depr. Version
No HTML 3.02
readonly="readonly"

Example

The readonly attribute stops the input data from being changed:
<form>
<label for="town">Postal Town:</label>
<input type="text" name="town" id="town" readonly="readonly"
value="Southampton" />
</form>

Description

The "readonly" attribute stops the user from changing the value of an input (in the case of a text input or password), but does not stop the user interacting with the form control content - it is possible to click inside the input, tab to it, highlight the text inside and even copy/paste that content, but it just cannot be changed/cleared.

The most likely use for this attribute is to stop the user from interfering with the value of an input until such a time as some other condition has been met (e.g. a checkbox is ticked to confirm terms and conditions), at which point JavaScript would be required to removed the "readonly" value, making the form control completely usable.

Value

"readonly" only

Compatibility

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

Causes no compatibility issues. It has excellent support across all tested browsers.

User-contributed notes

Add a note

To post a note on this topic, please log in with your SitePoint username and password. If you don't have an account yet, you can create a new account for free.

Related Products

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design

Best Seller!

You don’t need to go to Art School to design great looking web sites!

Book Cover: The Principles of Beautiful Web Design

Download the FREE sample chapters