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HTML <a> href Attribute

❮ HTML <a> tag

Example

The href attribute specifies the link's destination:

<a href="https://www.w3schools.com">Visit W3Schools</a>
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More "Try it Yourself" examples below.

Definition and Usage

The href attribute specifies the URL of the page the link goes to.

If the href attribute is not present, the <a> tag is not a hyperlink.

Browser Support

Attribute
href Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Syntax

<a href="URL">

Attribute Values

Value Description
URL The URL of the link.

Possible values:

  • An absolute URL - points to another web site (like href="http://www.example.com/default.htm")
  • A relative URL - points to a file within a web site (like href="default.htm")
  • Link to an element with a specified id within the page (like href="#top")
  • Other protocols (like https://, ftp://, mailto:, file:, etc..)
  • A script (like href="javascript:alert('Hello');")

More Examples

Example

Link to an element with a specified id within a page (the name attribute is not supported in HTML5):

<a href="#top">Go to top</a>
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Example

Link to an email address with a specified subject (will only work if you have mail installed):

<a href="mailto:someone@example.com?Subject=Hello%20again">Send mail!</a>
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Example

Link to multiple email addresses with a specified subject and a specified message:

<a href="mailto:someone@example.com?cc=someoneelse@example.com&bcc=andsomeoneelse@example.com
&subject=Summer%20Party&body=You%20are%20invited%20to%20a%20big%20summer%20party!">Send mail!</a>
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Example

Link to a JavaScript:

<a href="javascript:alert('Hello World!');">Execute JavaScript</a>
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❮ HTML <a> tag