HTML Level 1 and 2 Manual

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Element Index > Phrase Markup

<KBD> Element

Category: Phrase Markup
Period: HTML 2.0
Status: core

Description

Marks keyboard input.

Syntax

<KBD>dir</KBD>

Attributes

None.

Usage Guidelines

• Use for commands or keystrokes the reader should type.
• Use short, exact input strings.
• Use SAMP for the response after the command.
• Do not use KBD merely because it appears fixed-width.

Common Mistakes

• Graphical shortcut notation was not standardised in HTML.

Example Code

<P>Type <KBD>ftp example.com</KBD> and press return.

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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