Text Styling Tags (<strong>, <em>, <mark>, etc.)

---

HTML provides a variety of text styling tags that allow you to add emphasis, importance, and other visual effects to specific parts of your text. These tags, such as <strong>, <em>, and <mark>, not only enhance readability but also improve accessibility. Let’s explore some of these commonly used text styling tags and their purposes.

<strong> Tag

The <strong> tag is used to emphasize text by giving it strong importance. Browsers typically display text within <strong> tags in bold. In addition to visual emphasis, this tag also signals to screen readers that the text is important, making it useful for accessibility.

  <p>This is an example of <strong>strong text</strong>.</p>
        

Result:

This is an example of strong text.

<em> Tag

The <em> tag is used to emphasize text by adding a slight emphasis. Text within <em> tags is usually displayed in italics by browsers. Like <strong>, it conveys meaning to both users and screen readers, indicating that the text has added significance or a different tone.

  <p>This is an example of <em>emphasized text</em>.</p>
        

Result:

This is an example of emphasized text.

<mark> Tag

The <mark> tag highlights text, which is helpful for drawing attention to specific words or phrases. Browsers typically display <mark> text with a yellow background, mimicking a highlighter effect.

  <p>This is an example of <mark>highlighted text</mark>.</p>
        

Result:

This is an example of highlighted text.

<small> Tag

The <small> tag is used to reduce the font size of text. It is commonly used for fine print, disclaimers, or additional details. Browsers display text inside the <small> tag in a smaller size than the surrounding text.

  <p>This is some <small>small text</small> in a paragraph.</p>
        

Result:

This is some small text in a paragraph.

<del> and <ins> Tags

The <del> and <ins> tags are used to show deletions and insertions, respectively. The <del> tag displays text with a strikethrough to indicate removal, while the <ins> tag shows new or inserted text, often displayed with an underline.

  <p>This text was <del>deleted</del> and this text was <ins>inserted</ins>.</p>
        

Result:

This text was deleted and this text was inserted.

<sup> and <sub> Tags

The <sup> (superscript) and <sub> (subscript) tags adjust the placement of text relative to the baseline. Superscript text appears slightly above the baseline, while subscript text appears below. These tags are often used for mathematical notations, formulas, and footnotes.

  <p>This is an example of <sup>superscript</sup> and <sub>subscript</sub> text.</p>
        

Result:

This is an example of ^superscript and _subscript text.

<code> Tag

The <code> tag is used to display computer code within a document. Text inside this tag is usually rendered in a monospace font, making it stand out as code. It is commonly used in technical documentation or tutorials.

  <p>To create a paragraph, use the <code><p></code> tag.</p>
        

Result:

To create a paragraph, use the <p> tag.

Best Practices for Using Text Styling Tags

When using text styling tags, consider the following best practices:

• Use Semantics for Accessibility: Tags like <strong> and <em> provide semantic meaning, helping screen readers and search engines interpret the importance of text.
• Avoid Overuse: Use styling tags sparingly to avoid clutter. Overusing <strong> or <mark> can distract readers.
• Consider Readability: Ensure that highlighted or emphasized text does not disrupt readability. Use text styling tags to improve clarity, not just for aesthetic purposes.

Example of Text Styling Tags in an HTML Document

Here’s an example showing various text styling tags used within a single HTML document:

Conclusion

Text styling tags in HTML, such as <strong>, <em>, and <mark>, offer a powerful way to convey emphasis, importance, and meaning. By using these tags effectively, you can improve both the visual appeal and accessibility of your web content, making it more engaging and informative for users.

---

Next >