HTML <basefont> Basefont tag
The <basefont> tag in HTML was used to set the default font size, face, and color for a document. However, it is important to note that the <basefont> tag is deprecated and should not be used in modern HTML. It was part of older HTML specifications and has been replaced by CSS for controlling font styles and sizes.
Syntax (Deprecated):
<basefont face="font-name" size="font-size" color="font-color">
Attributes (Deprecated):
face: Specifies the font family for the text. You could list multiple font names as a fallback, in case the first choice isn't available.Example:
<basefont face="Arial, sans-serif">size: Defines the font size. You could use a numerical value (from 1 to 7) or a relative size keyword (like+1,-1).Example:
<basefont size="3">color: Sets the color of the text. You can specify colors using color names, hex codes, or RGB values.Example:
<basefont color="#FF0000">
Example Usage (Deprecated):
<basefont face="Verdana" size="4" color="#0000FF">
<p>This text will use Verdana font, size 4, and blue color.</p>
Modern Alternatives:
Instead of using the <basefont> tag, you should use CSS for styling fonts. CSS offers much greater flexibility and control over text styling. Here’s how you can achieve the same effects using CSS:
Font Family:
<style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } </style>Font Size:
<style> p { font-size: 16px; /* or use other units like em, rem, % */ } </style>Font Color:
<style> p { color: #FF0000; } </style>
Example with CSS:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
body {
font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;
font-size: 16px;
color: #0000FF;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>This text will use Verdana font, size 16px, and blue color.</p>
</body>
</html>
Why <basefont> Is Deprecated:
- Limited Flexibility: The
<basefont>tag offered only basic styling options and lacked the comprehensive control that CSS provides. - CSS Standards: Modern web development standards favor CSS for all styling needs, as it allows for more precise and flexible control over the appearance of text and other elements.
- Separation of Concerns: CSS promotes the separation of content and presentation, which is a key principle of modern web design and development.