This is an experimental technology
Because this technology's specification has not stabilized, check the compatibility table for usage in various browsers. Also note that the syntax and behavior of an experimental technology is subject to change in future versions of browsers as the specification changes.
The HTMLDialogElement
interface provides methods to manipulate <dialog>
elements. It inherits properties and methods from the HTMLElement
interface.
Properties
Inherits properties from its parent, HTMLElement
.
HTMLDialogElement.open
- Is a
Boolean
reflecting theopen
HTML attribute, indicating that the dialog is available for interaction. HTMLDialogElement.returnValue
- Is a
DOMString
that sets or returns the return value for the dialog.
Methods
Inherits methods from its parent, HTMLElement
.
Name & Arguments | Return | Description |
---|---|---|
close() HTML5 |
void |
Closes the dialog. An optional DOMString may be passed as an argument, updating the returnValue of the the dialog. |
show() HTML5 |
void |
Displays the dialog modelessly, i.e. still allowing interaction with content outside of the dialog. An optional Element or MouseEvent may be passed as an argument, to specify an anchor point to which the dialog is fixed. |
showModal() HTML5 |
void |
Displays the dialog for exclusive interaction, over the top of any other dialogs that might be present. An optional Element or MouseEvent may be passed as an argument, to specify an anchor point to which the dialog is fixed. |
Examples
Example 1
<!-- Anchor point example --> <dialog id="bronteDialog"> <p>That was part of a poem by Emily Brontë!</p> </dialog> <blockquote> <p>"Then art thou glad to seek repose?<br> Art glad to leave the sea,<br> And <strong id="anchor">anchor</strong> all thy weary woes<br> In calm Eternity?"</p> </blockquote> <menu> <button id="showDialogButton">Show dialog</button> </menu> <script> (function() { var showDialogButton = document.getElementById('showDialogButton'); // 'Show dialog' button opens dialog, anchored at third line of quote showDialogButton.addEventListener('click', function() { var bronteDialog = document.getElementById('bronteDialog'); var anchorPoint = document.getElementById('anchor'); bronteDialog.show(anchorPoint); }); })(); </script>
Example 2
<!-- Simple pop-up dialog box, containing a form --> <dialog id="favDialog"> <form method="dialog"> <section> <p><label for="favAnimal">Favorite animal:</label> <select id="favAnimal" name="favAnimal"> <option></option> <option>Brine shrimp</option> <option>Red panda</option> <option>Spider monkey</option> </select></p> </section> <menu> <button id="cancel" type="reset">Cancel</button> <button type="submit">Confirm</button> </menu> </form> </dialog> <menu> <button id="updateDetails">Update details</button> </menu> <script> (function() { var updateButton = document.getElementById('updateDetails'); var cancelButton = document.getElementById('cancel'); // Update button opens a modal dialog updateButton.addEventListener('click', function() { document.getElementById('favDialog').showModal(); }); // Form cancel button closes the dialog box cancelButton.addEventListener('click', function() { document.getElementById('favDialog').close(); }); })(); </script>
Specifications
Specification | Status | Comment |
---|---|---|
WHATWG HTML Living Standard The definition of '<dialog>' in that specification. |
Living Standard | |
HTML5.1 The definition of '<dialog>' in that specification. |
Working Draft |
Browser compatibility
Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic support | 37 | No support bug 840640 | No support | 24 | No support |
Anchor points | No support | No support | No support | No support | No support |
Feature | Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | IE Mobile | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic support | No support | No support | No support | No support | No support |
Anchor points | No support | No support | No support | No support | No support |
See also
- The HTML element implementing this interface:
<dialog>
.