HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

<BODY> Element

Category: Document
Period: HTML 1 / HTML 2.0
Status: core

Description

The visible body of the document.

Syntax

<BODY>
...visible page...
</BODY>

Attributes

Strict HTML 2.0: none. Many browsers also accepted BGCOLOR, BACKGROUND, TEXT, LINK, VLINK and ALINK as extensions.

Usage Guidelines

Put headings, paragraphs, lists, links, images and forms in BODY.
For strict Level 1 or 2 pages, avoid presentational BODY colour attributes.
BODY colour attributes were common but not fully standard in HTML 2.0.
Keep the source readable; pages were often hand-edited.

Common Mistakes

Do not include a second BODY.
Do not place HEAD-only elements such as TITLE in BODY.

Example Code

<BODY>
<H1>Welcome</H1>
<P>This page is written in HTML.
</BODY>

Authoring Note

Write the document first, then test it in a graphical browser and a text browser. The page should remain understandable if images fail, colours are ignored, or the browser uses its own fonts.

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