HTML readonly Attribute

Definition and Usage

The readonly attribute is a boolean attribute.

When present, it specifies that an input field or textarea is read-only.

A read-only field cannot be modified (however, a user can tab to it, highlight it, and copy the text from it).

The readonly attribute can be set to keep a user from changing the value until some other conditions have been met (like selecting a checkbox, etc.). Then, a JavaScript can remove the readonly value, and make the input field editable.

Applies to

The readonly attribute can be used on the following elements:

Elements	Attribute
<input>	readonly
<textarea>	readonly

Examples

Input Example

An HTML form with a read-only input field:

<form action="/action_page.php">
Country: <input type="text" name="country" value="Norway" readonly><br>
<input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>

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Textarea Example

A read-only text area:

<textarea readonly>
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</textarea>

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Browser Support

The readonly attribute has the following browser support for each element:

Element
input	1.0	6.0	1.0	1.0	1.0
textarea	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

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