HTML title Attribute: How it Works with Examples

html title attribute

The HTML title attribute adds extra info to any element. You can use it to show tooltips on hover.

What Is the HTML title Attribute?

The title attribute adds short text to an element. That text shows when users hover with a mouse.

It helps people know what a link or icon does without clicking. You can use it with tags like <a>, <div>, or <span>.

Browsers show the title in a small popup. That popup appears when the mouse moves over the element. People call it a tooltip.

You do not need code to make tooltips work. Browsers show them by default. On phones, tooltips may not work because hover does not exist.

Tooltips appear above or below the element. The browser chooses the spot based on space. You cannot change how it looks or moves. CSS does not control it.

So, why use the title attribute in HTML?

  • It gives fast hints without with extra space.
  • It helps users avoid errors before clicking.
  • It shows simple info on buttons, links, and icons.
  • It explains terms without changing the layout.

How to Add the title Attribute

Add the title inside the open tag. Write the tooltip as text in quotes.

<a href="page.html" title="Go to the product page">Product</a>

This shows “Go to the product page” when users hover.

You can add the attribute to many tags:

<img src="cat.jpg" title="Cute cat can play in the sun" />
<button title="Click to submit the form">Submit</button>

Most elements accept this attribute. You can use it with:

  • Links
  • Images
  • Buttons
  • Input fields
  • Divs
  • Spans
  • Titles

On input fields, the tooltip may show when focused or hovered. On phones, tooltips often do not show.

The Difference between <title> in <head> and title attribute.

The <title> tag sets the page name in the tab. The title attribute shows a tooltip on hover.

Feature<title> tagtitle attribute
LocationInside <head>Inside HTML elements
UseSets page tab nameShows hint on hover
User sees itOn the browser tabOn hover
StyleNot styleableNot styleable
Use caseSEO, bookmarks, tabsHelp users with extra info

Use <title> to name the page. Use title to show tips on icons, buttons, or links.

Examples

Link Tooltip:

<a href="help.html" title="Read the help guide before you go">Help</a>

This gives a warning before clicking. It tells the user to read first.

Icon Explanation:

<span class="icon" title="Edit your profile info"></span>

This icon shows a pencil. The tooltip tells the user it edits the profile.

Button With Caution Note:

<button title="Deletes your account forever. No undo.">Delete Account</button>

This shows a strong warning. It helps the user avoid a mistake.

Complex Input Field:

<input type="text" name="ref" title="Type the code from the invite email" />

This gives context. It shows what to type in the field.

Wrapping Up

The title attribute shows a tooltip when users hover. It works on most elements.

You saw how to add it and when to use it. You also learned how it differs from the <title> tag.

Here is a quick recap:

  • Use title to add tooltips to tags.
  • Tooltips show on hover, not on mobile.
  • Use <title> for the page tab.
  • Tooltips help explain small actions.

FAQs

What does the title attribute do in HTML?

The title attribute adds extra information to an element. This shows as a tooltip when users hover over the element. Example:
<p title="This is extra info">Hover here</p>

How to use the HTML title attribute with links?

You can add the title attribute to <a> to explain where the link goes or what it means. Example:
<a href="https://example.com" title="Go to Example">Visit</a>

Where can I use the title attribute in HTML?

You can use the title attribute with many elements like <p>, <div>, <img>, <a>, or form fields to show hints. Example with an image:
<img src="photo.jpg" title="A scenic photo" alt="Scenery">

Is the title attribute good for SEO?

No, the HTML title attribute does not help SEO. It only gives tooltips for users and does not affect search rankings.

Similar Reads

How to Use HTML div Tag – Examples & Group Content

In this article, you will cover how to use div tag in HTML layout. It offers beginner to advanced code…

HTML Boolean Attributes with Examples

HTML Boolean attributes control the behavior of elements and do not need a value. These attributes simplify logic and reduce…

HTML script Tag: How to Add JavaScript to a Web Page

The script tag adds JavaScript to a web page in HTML. This lets the page run logic or load content.…

HTML Label Tag: How It Works with Examples

Forms need instructions so users know what to enter. You use the HTML label tag to give names to input…

HTML Aside Tag: How to Create a Side Content

You use the <aside> tag to mark extra content in HTML. It does not replace the main text and shows…

HTML figure Tag: Responsive Design & Media Elements

The HTML figure tag links media with a caption. Use it to group an image, diagram, code block, or video…

HTML dialog Tag: How to Create Dialog Boxes

The <dialog> tag is used to build modal popups in HTML. It shows alerts and messages without third-party scripts. Understand…

HTML head Tag: How to Include Metadata and Links in head

The HTML head tag contains information and loads tools for the web page. What Is the <head> Tag in HTML?…

HTML Style Attribute: How it Works with Examples

You use the style attribute to add CSS to a single HTML element without using a stylesheet or class. What…

HTML source Tag: How to Embed Media with Examples

The source tag in HTML helps load different media formats and screen sizes. You can use it inside many other…

Previous Article

HTML Class Attribute: Use in CSS and JavaScript

Next Article

HTML head Tag: How to Include Metadata and Links in head

Write a Comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Subscribe to Get Updates

Get the latest updates on Coding, Database, and Algorithms straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.