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Discover how to use the Details tag in HTML for drop-down content

In modern web design, offering an optimal user experience is key. Part of that experience includes the ability to present information clearly and orderly, without overwhelming the user with text or visuals. This is where etiquette comes into play.

of HTML, a wonderful tool for displaying hideable content. In this article we will break down how and when to implement this tag to improve the usability and aesthetics of your web pages.

What is the label
in HTML?

The label

is an HTML5 component designed to facilitate the creation of content that the user can show or hide at will. Fundamentally, this tag is used to create a folding control (also known as an "accordion") without the need for JavaScript.

Being a native element, it is supported by most modern browsers and can improve the performance of the page by not depending on external libraries. The label

It is usually combined with the label , which defines the title or header that is visible before expanding hidden content.

How to use the label
?

To implement a dropdown content with

, starts with the opening and closing tag that wraps the content to be hidden. Inside it, add to determine what is going to be shown as a lead-in or introduction to the content behind it.

Dropdown Content Title Here goes all the content that you want to be hidden and shown only when the user requests it.

By clicking on the text of

, the rest of the content is displayed, giving the user access to the additional data.

When to use the label

The label

It is ideal in a multitude of scenarios, such as:

  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Present the questions in a compact way until the user wants to expand the answer.
  • Long articles or posts: To divide sections of voluminous content, making it easier to read.
  • Forms or advanced settings: Hide additional options that are not used by all users.
  • Comments or forums: Hide secondary responses or comments to improve the navigability of the main thread.

Good practices when using

  • Clarity in : The summary text should be clear and indicative of the content that is being hidden.
  • Do not overload: Wear
    for really beneficial content to be hidden. Too many foldable elements can lead to a confusing user experience.
  • Accessibility: Ensure that assistive technology users can navigate and interact with pull-down controls.
  • Style and design: Although the default styles of
    They are functional, customizing them with CSS is recommended so that they integrate with the design of your site.

Customization and styles

With CSS, you can customize the appearance of the label

y . Although the default icon showing content expansion cannot be modified directly, with some CSS tricks you can create your own styles for the expansion and collapse indicators.

details > summary { cursor: pointer; color: #333; font-weight: bold; } details > summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; } details[open] > summary:after { content: '▼'; } details > summary:after { content: '►'; float: right; }

With that CSS, the default icon is removed and we add our own custom indicators.

Semantics matter

The use of

must be semantically justified. If you are trying to hide content that is not relevant or purely decorative, consider other techniques. However, if the content you want to hide expands or complements the information presented in a relevant way,
It is a perfect solution.

Conclusion

The label

It's a great addition to any web developer's toolbox. Its ease of use, combined with the control it offers the end user over their browsing experience, makes it a valuable component in creating rich and accessible interfaces. If you have found yourself in the situation of needing drop-down content on your website, do not hesitate to implement it.

Remember that less is more. Implement

wisely and you will see how the content of your web page NelkoDev You will gain clarity and efficiency. If you want to chat about this or other topics related to web development, contact me. Together we can work to make the web a more functional and elegant place.

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Hello, my name is Joan Medina and I am a full stack developer working as a freelance since 2011 for national and international companies. I also help new entrepreneurs to realize their ideas with advice, content and e-book for free.

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