The <hr> HTML element is used to insert a thematic break or horizontal rule in a webpage, typically representing a shift in topic or a division between sections of content. It is a void element, meaning it does not have a closing tag, and is often rendered as a horizontal line across the page. The <hr> element provides a visual cue to users that there is a separation in content, making it easier to distinguish between different sections or topics.
Usage and Characteristics
The <hr> element is useful for enhancing the readability and organization of content on a webpage. It can be styled using CSS to change its appearance, such as altering its width, height, color, or style (e.g., solid, dashed, or dotted). Here is an example of how the <hr> tag can be used:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Horizontal Rule Example</title>
<style>
hr {
border: 0;
height: 2px;
background-color: #ccc;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
<p>This is the introduction to my website.</p>
<hr>
<h2>About Us</h2>
<p>Information about our company.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Contact</h2>
<p>Details on how to contact us.</p>
</body>
</html>Valid Attributes for <hr>
The <hr> element does not have specific attributes beyond the global attributes, which include:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| class | Specifies one or more class names for the element, used for CSS styling. |
| id | Defines a unique identifier for the element, useful for linking and JavaScript. |
| style | Contains inline CSS styles for the element. |
| title | Provides additional information about the element, often displayed as a tooltip. |
Benefits and Considerations
Visual Separation: The
<hr>element provides a clear visual separation between sections of content, improving readability and organization.Styling Flexibility: Using CSS, the appearance of the
<hr>can be customized to fit the design of the webpage, allowing for creative and consistent styling.Semantic Meaning: While primarily visual, the
<hr>element also conveys a thematic break, helping users understand the structure and flow of the content.
In summary, the <hr> element is a simple yet effective tool for creating visual and thematic breaks in a webpage. It enhances the organization and readability of content, providing a clear separation between sections or topics.