What is HTML <template> Tag?
The HTML template tag is used to define HTML content that is not displayed immediately when a page loads. It acts as a hidden container for reusable HTML code that can be dynamically inserted into the page later using JavaScript. This tag is useful for creating reusable components such as cards, forms, lists, or layouts that appear only when needed. Developers often use it for dynamic applications and interactive websites. The content inside the template tag remains inactive until it is accessed through a script. It is an essential part of modern web development because it helps keep HTML structure clean, improves performance, and allows code reuse.
Syntax of the HTML <template> Tag
<template>
<!-- HTML content goes here --> </template>
The template tag starts with <template> and ends with </template>. Any HTML code written inside will not be rendered until activated by JavaScript.
Examples of HTML <template> Tag
Example 1: Basic HTML Template Tag
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<body>
<template id="welcomeMessage">
<h2>Welcome to Scholar247!</h2>
<p>This message is loaded dynamically using the HTML template tag.</p>
</template>
<script>
const template = document.getElementById("welcomeMessage");
const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);
document.body.appendChild(clone);
</script>
</body>
</html>
Explanation:
In this example, the content inside the HTML template tag is hidden at first. When the JavaScript runs, it copies the template content and adds it to the webpage. The message “Welcome to Scholar247!” is then displayed dynamically.
Example 2: SEO Optimized Template Example
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<body>
<template id="serviceCard">
<div class="card">
<h3>Web Development Services by Scholar247</h3>
<p>We offer fast, affordable, and SEO-friendly web solutions for all businesses.</p>
</div>
</template>
<script>
const container = document.createElement("section");
document.body.appendChild(container);
const template = document.getElementById("serviceCard");
const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);
container.appendChild(clone);
</script>
</body>
</html>
Explanation:
This SEO-optimized example uses the HTML template tag to display a service card dynamically. The content includes relevant keywords like “Web Development Services” and “SEO-friendly solutions,” helping boost page visibility in search engines while maintaining performance.
Attributes of the HTML <template> Tag
The HTML template tag does not support any specific attributes.
It only contains standard global attributes such as id, class, and style.
Most commonly, developers use the id attribute to reference the template in JavaScript.
Best Practices for HTML <template> Tag
• Always use a unique id for each template so it can be easily targeted with JavaScript.
• Keep template content simple and reusable to avoid repetition.
• Avoid placing scripts or media directly inside the template.
• Use the template tag for dynamic content loading to improve site performance.
• Validate your template structure before using it in production environments.
FAQs About HTML <template> Tag
What is the purpose of the HTML template tag?
The HTML template tag is used to store HTML code that remains hidden until it is activated or displayed using JavaScript.
Can I display the content of a template without JavaScript?
No, by default, the content inside a template is not rendered by browsers. You need JavaScript to clone and display it.
Does the template tag support any attributes?
It does not have unique attributes of its own, but you can use global ones like id, class, and style for identification and styling.
Is the HTML template tag good for SEO?
Yes, it helps organize your HTML code, but search engines only index visible content. Use templates for dynamic elements that appear on user actions.
Can I place multiple templates in one page?
Yes, you can use multiple template tags in a single HTML document. Just make sure each has a unique id so it can be referenced correctly.