The <basefont> tag is an old HTML element that was used to set a default font size and color for the text in a document. However, it’s important to note that this tag has been deprecated in HTML 4.01 and removed entirely from HTML5. Therefore, it’s not recommended for use in modern web development.
How Did The Basefont Tag Work?
The <basefont> tag was typically placed within the <head> section of an HTML document. It had two main attributes: size and color.
<basefont size="3" color="red">
In this example, all text within the body of the document would be displayed at a default size of 3 (on a scale from 1-7, with 7 being the largest) and in red color unless otherwise specified by other tags.
A Modern Alternative: CSS
With the deprecation of the <basefont> tag, developers are now encouraged to use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to control typography on their websites. This allows for much greater flexibility and control over your website’s appearance.
body {
font-size: 16px;
color: #000000;
}
This CSS rule sets a default font size of 16 pixels and a text color of black for all elements within the body of your webpage.
In Conclusion
While understanding older HTML tags like <basefont> can provide insight into how web design has evolved over time, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with current best practices. Today, CSS is the preferred method for controlling typography and other stylistic elements on your website.
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