The <mark> tag is an HTML tag used to highlight and distinguish text from other content on a webpage. When used, the text enclosed by the <mark> tag is displayed with a distinctive background color or some other visual styling that sets it apart from the surrounding content.
In this tutorial, we will discuss how to use the <mark> tag in HTML, its syntax, attributes, and some best practices for using it effectively.
Syntax
The <mark> tag is a non-container tag, which means it does not have an opening and closing tag. Its syntax is very simple and looks like this:
<mark>Text to be highlighted</mark>
As you can see, the text that needs to be highlighted is enclosed between the opening and closing <mark> tags.
Attributes
The <mark> tag supports a few attributes that can be used to add additional information to the element. The most commonly used attribute is `class`, which is used to specify one or more CSS classes for the element.
Here is an example of using the `class` attribute with the <mark> tag:
<mark class=”highlighted-text”>Text to be highlighted</mark>
In this example, the `highlighted-text` class is added to the <mark> tag. You can define the `highlighted-text` class in your CSS to set the background color or any other styling properties you want for the highlighted text.
Best practices
The <mark> tag is a great way to draw attention to specific text on a webpage, but it should be used sparingly and only for important information. Overusing the <mark> tag can make the page look cluttered and distracting.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using the <mark> tag:
1. Use it to highlight keywords, key phrases, or important information that you want your users to notice.
2. Avoid highlighting too much text. Use it only for the most important parts of the content.
3. Be consistent in your use of the <mark> tag. Use it for the same purpose throughout the website to maintain a consistent user experience.
4. Don’t rely solely on the <mark> tag for accessibility. Use other methods, such as headings, lists, and semantic HTML, to structure your content for easy navigation.
5. Use CSS to style the <mark> tag instead of relying on the default styling. This allows you to customize the highlight color, font size, and other properties to match your website’s design.
Conclusion
The <mark> tag is a simple but powerful tool for highlighting text on a webpage. When used correctly, it can help draw attention to important information and improve the overall user experience. By following the best practices outlined in this tutorial, you can use the <mark> tag effectively and create a more engaging and accessible website.
