The HTML <footer> tag is used to define the footer section of a webpage or section. Typically, the footer contains metadata about the webpage, such as copyright information, links to terms of service, contact information, or navigation links. The <footer> tag is important for both the visual structure and the accessibility of a webpage, as it provides users with useful information and helps search engines better understand the structure of your content.
Syntax of the <footer> Tag
The syntax of the <footer> tag is straightforward. It is a block-level element that should be placed within a parent element, typically at the end of the body or section.
<footer>
<!-- Footer content goes here -->
</footer>
The <footer> tag can contain any type of content, such as text, images, links, or even other HTML elements like headings, lists, and paragraphs.
Attributes of the <footer> Tag
The <footer> tag does not have any unique attributes of its own. However, it supports global attributes that allow you to customize its behaviour and appearance. These attributes include:
- id: Assigns a unique identifier to the footer for styling or JavaScript interaction.
- class: Assigns a class for applying CSS styles.
- style: Inline CSS can be applied directly using this attribute to style the footer.
- title: Provides additional information about the footer, which is visible as a tooltip on hover.
- lang: Specifies the language of the footer content.
- tabindex: Controls the navigation order of the element when users use the tab key.
While the <footer> tag itself does not require specific attributes, the global attributes enhance its functionality and integration with the rest of the webpage.
Examples of HTML <footer> Tag
Example 1: Basic Footer with Copyright Information.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Basic Footer Example</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to Our Website</h1>
<p>This is the main content of the page.</p>
<footer>
<p>© 2024 Example Corp. All rights reserved.</p>
</footer>
</body>
</html>
In this example, the footer contains a simple copyright statement placed at the bottom of the page, making it easy for users to identify the ownership of the content.
Example 2: Footer with Navigation Links and Contact Information.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Footer with Navigation</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Explore Our Services</h1>
<p>Discover a wide range of offerings we provide.</p>
<footer>
<nav>
<ul>
<li><a href="#home">Home</a></li>
<li><a href="#about">About Us</a></li>
<li><a href="#contact">Contact Us</a></li>
</ul>
</nav>
<p>Contact us: info@example.com</p>
</footer>
</body>
</html>
In this example, the footer includes a navigation menu and contact information. This setup is commonly used to provide users with essential links and contact details at the bottom of a webpage.
FAQs About HTML <footer> Tag
Q1: What is the purpose of the HTML <footer> tag?
A: The <footer> tag defines the footer section of a webpage or section. It typically contains metadata like copyright information, navigation links, or contact details.
Q2: Can the <footer> tag contain other HTML elements?
A: Yes, the <footer> tag can contain various HTML elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, lists, and even images, making it versatile for organizing different types of content.
Q3: Is the <footer> tag mandatory in HTML?
A: No, the <footer> tag is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for better structure, accessibility, and SEO. Including a footer provides a more organized and user-friendly webpage layout.
Q4: Can I use multiple <footer> tags on a single webpage?
A: Yes, you can use multiple <footer> tags, particularly when designing large documents with multiple sections. Each section can have its own footer, enhancing the page’s structure and readability.
Q5: Does the <footer> tag improve SEO?
A: Yes, the <footer> tag can contribute to better SEO by structuring your webpage clearly. Search engines recognize the footer as an important part of the layout, often containing valuable links and information.