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HTML <option> selected Attribute

❮ HTML <option> tag

Example

A drop-down list with a pre-selected option:

<label for="cars">Choose a car:</label>

<select id="cars">
  <option value="volvo">Volvo</option>
  <option value="saab">Saab</option>
  <option value="vw">VW</option>
  <option value="audi" selected>Audi</option>
</select>
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Definition and Usage

The selected attribute is a boolean attribute.

When present, it specifies that an option should be pre-selected when the page loads.

The pre-selected option will be displayed first in the drop-down list.

Tip: The selected attribute can also be set after the page loads, with a JavaScript.


Browser Support

Attribute
selected Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Syntax

<option selected>

❮ HTML <option> tag