This is an experimental technology
Because this technology's specification has not stabilized, check the compatibility table for the proper prefixes to use 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 spec changes.
The Selection.rangeCount read-only property returns the number of ranges in the selection.
Before the user has clicked a freshly loaded page, the rangeCount is 0. After the user clicks on the page, rangeCount is 1, even if no selection is visible.
A user can normally only select one range at a time, so the rangeCount will usually be 1. Scripting can be used to make the selection contain more than 1 range.
Gecko browsers allow multiple selections across table cells.
Syntax
value = sel.rangeCount
Example
The following example will show the rangeCount every second. Select text in the browser to see it change.
HTML Content
Open the console to see how many ranges are in the selection. In Gecko browsers, you can select multiple ranges across table cells by holding down Ctrl while dragging with the mouse. <table> <tr><td>a.1<td>a.2 <tr><td>b.1<td>b.2
JavaScript Content
window.setInterval(function () {
console.log(window.getSelection().rangeCount);
}, 1000);
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| HTML Editing APIs The definition of 'Selection.rangeCount' in that specification. |
Editor's Draft | Initial definition |
| Selection API The definition of 'Selection.rangeCount' in that specification. |
Working Draft | Current |
Browser compatibility
| Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari (WebKit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | (Yes) | (Yes) | (Yes) | (Yes) | ? |
| Feature | Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | Firefox OS | IE Phone | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | ? | (Yes) | 1.0 | ? | ? | ? |
See also
Selection, the interface it belongs to.