The HTML details Tag: Simple Examples for Web Designers

The HTML details tag is used to create interactive, collapsible sections on a web page. Think of it as a digital curtain that you can pull back to reveal more information. You can then hide less relevant information to keep your page organized.

Let’s say I’m building a product page for an ecommerce website. I want to provide users with product details, but I don't want to clutter the page with too much information. HTML details allows me to present a summary of the information. Users can then click to learn more.

This tag enhances user experience by keeping content organized and easily accessible. In this post, we'll explore how the HTML details tag works and show you some real-world examples.

What is the HTML details tag?

The HTML details tag is an HTML element used to create a collapsible section of content on a page. It's like a digital toggle switch that lets users expand or collapse additional information with a click.

Here's the syntax of the details tag:

 <details>
    <summary>Summary Text</summary>
    <!-- hidden content -->
</details>

<details> is the main container element. It encapsulates the content you want to make expandable and collapsible.

Next, <summary> is placed inside <details> as the first child element. The <summary> serves as the title or heading for the collapsible section and is visible when the page loads. When users click on it, the hidden content inside <details> is revealed. When <summary> is clicked again, the content is hidden.

Here’s a live example of a details element that contains a list. The tag allows users to access additional information when they want, without overwhelming them with too much content at once.

See the Pen html details - product description by HubSpot (@hubspot) on CodePen.

Here’s a pro tip: Use meaningful and descriptive titles in your <summary> elements. For example, instead of “Product Info,” use “Product Specifications” or “Customer Reviews.” Clear and informative titles help users understand what to expect when they click.

HTML Details Examples

Now, let’s explore some more examples to demonstrate how the details tag can make your web content more user-friendly.

Expanding Product Descriptions

See the Pen html details - product description by HubSpot (@hubspot) on CodePen.

The details tag here is used to create an expandable section for the product description. Initially, only the “Product Description” summary is visible. When clicked, it expands to reveal the product details.

Use the details tag to hide lengthy product descriptions, helping to keep your product page clean and user-friendly.

FAQs Section

See the Pen html details - pricing options by HubSpot (@hubspot) on CodePen.

In this example, the details tag creates collapsible FAQ sections. Each summary represents a frequently asked question, and clicking it reveals the corresponding answer. Employ details tags for FAQs to provide concise answers while maintaining a clean and organized FAQ page.

Pricing Options

See the Pen html details - terms and conditions by HubSpot (@hubspot) on CodePen.

Here, details tags create collapsible sections for pricing plans. Users can click on each plan's title to see its details, such as price and included features. Utilize details tags for presenting pricing options to give users a clear and concise view of different plans without overwhelming them.

Terms and Conditions

See the Pen html details - list by HubSpot (@hubspot) on CodePen.

In this case, details tags create expandable sections for legal documents like Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Users can click on the summaries to access these documents. Employ details tags for legal documents to ensure users have easy access to essential information while maintaining a neat interface.

These examples illustrate how the HTML details tag can be used to create interactive and organized web content. It allows you to present information in a user-friendly way. Users have control over what they see, making your website more engaging and user-oriented.

Getting Started

Whether you're designing a FAQ section or presenting legal documents, the HTML details tag empowers you to deliver information in a concise and interactive way. Now, users can access the information they need without being overwhelmed by too much information.