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HTML selected Attribute


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.


Applies to

The selected attribute can be used on the following element:

Element Attribute
<option> selected

Example

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

<select>
  <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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Browser Support

Attribute
selected Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes