1. html
  2. /tags
  3. /bdo

<bdo>

Definition

The bdo element in HTML stands for "bidirectional override" and is used to specify the direction of text within a document. This is particularly useful in cases where the text contains a mix of left-to-right and right-to-left languages, as the bdo element allows the author to explicitly specify the direction of the text.

The bdo element can be used with the dir attribute to specify the direction of the text, with the possible values being "ltr" for left-to-right and "rtl" for right-to-left.

Attributes

AttributeDescriptionDeprecated
dirSpecifies the direction that text should display within the elementNo

Best Practices

  • Use the bdo element to specify the direction of text that is written in a language that is different from the main text on the page.
  • Use the dir attribute to specify the direction of the text (e.g., dir="rtl" for right-to-left languages).
  • Use the bdo element in conjunction with other elements, such as p and span, to properly structure the content on the page.
  • Make sure to use the bdo element consistently throughout the page to ensure a coherent and accessible user experience.
  • Test your page using assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to ensure that the bdo element is being used correctly and that the text is being presented in the correct direction.

Accessibility Considerations

From an accessibility standpoint, using the bdo element correctly can make it easier for users who are using assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to understand the structure and content of the page. This is because screen readers can use the bdo element to correctly interpret the direction of the text and present it to the user in a way that matches the visual layout of the page.

Additionally, the bdo element can also be useful for users who are using right-to-left languages, as it can help them navigate the page more easily and find the content they are looking for.

Browser Compatibility

ChromeFirefoxSafariInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeOpera
YesYesYesYesYesYes