You might see <details> Element reference while reading someone else’s HTML, or need it while building a page of your own. Instead of memorizing a definition, look at a working example and see when the element makes sense.
The Idea in Plain English
Creates a disclosure widget that users can expand and collapse without JavaScript. summary supplies its visible label.
For a reference page, pay attention to where the element is allowed, whether it needs a closing tag, and what other elements it can contain.
A Working Example
Read the sample once before copying it. Notice the element names and attribute values, then compare them with the explanation below.
<details>
<summary>How long does delivery take?</summary>
<p>Usually three to five working days.</p>
</details>What Each Part Does
- The details element creates an expandable disclosure.
- The summary gives a details disclosure its clickable heading.
- A paragraph keeps one idea together as readable text.
Clicking or activating the summary reveals the answer.
Try It Yourself
Try replacing the example content with your own while keeping the valid HTML structure.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using details as a modal or as a replacement for complex navigation.
- Changing several parts of the example at once, making it difficult to see which part caused a different result.
- Choosing a tag only because its default appearance looks right, without checking whether it describes the content correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Creates a disclosure widget that users can expand and collapse without JavaScript. summary supplies its visible label.
- Clicking or activating the summary reveals the answer.
- Test the markup in a browser, and check accessibility and real-world behavior where relevant.