HTML Lists: Usage

The use of "lists" on Library Web pages is encouraged. However, it is important to include all elements of the list tag set when using them. Opening and closing codes must be present and list item ( <LI> ) tags included. Do not use the Definition List ( <DL> ) tag set to create indentions, leaving off the Definition Term ( <DT> ) or Definition ( <DD> ). Do not use header codes within lists.

Ordered List (with numbers):

Use the <OL>...</OL> tags to surround the ordered list items. Each item in the list should be preceeded with the <LI> tag (the closing </LI> tag is optional). Line breaks are implied after each list item.

Example:

Sample List

1. Number one
2. Number two
3. Number three
   1. Nested number one
   2. Nested number two
4. Number four

Use the "View Source" option of your browser to view the HTML codes that create the list.

Note - It is now possible to use the TYPE= attribute to affect the numbering (lettering) scheme used in the ordered list; however, the style sheet alternative is encouraged in HTML 4.01 - strict:

• 1 for Arabic numbers (default) (1, 2, 3, 4, ...)
• a for Alphabetic, lowercase (a, b, c, d, ...)
• A for Alphabetic, uppercase (A, B, C, D, ...)
• i for Roman numerals, lowercase (i, ii, iii, iv, ...)
• I for Roman numerals, uppercase (I, II, III, IV, ...)

The START= attribute indicates on which number/letter the scheme should start. Not all browsers support TYPE= and START. When not supported, they will be ignored and the list items will be rendered in the standard way.

Unordered List (with bullets):

Use the <UL>...</UL> tags to surround the unordered list items. Each item in the list should be preceeded with the <LI> tag (the closing </LI> tag is optional). Line breaks are implied after each list item.

Example:

Sample List

• First bullet
• Second bullet
  • Nested Item
• Third bullet
• Forth bullet

Use the "View Source" option of your browser to view the HTML codes that create the list.

Note - It is now possible to change the default appearance of bullet styles for your lists; however, the style sheet alternative is encouraged in HTML 4.01 - strict:

Use the TYPE= attribute with the <UL> tag. There are three possible styles:

• DISC for a closed bullet
• SQUARE for an open square
• CIRCLE for an open round bullet

The TYPE= attribute is only supported on the newer versions of standard Web browsers.

Definition List (with indentions):

Use the <DL>...</DL> tags to surround the definition list items. Each term in the list should be preceeded with the <DT> tag, and each definition in the list should be preceeded with the <DD> tag. Line breaks are implied after each list item.

Example:

Sample List

First Phrase of Text (Term)

This is the explanetory text (Definition)

Next Phrase of Text (Term)

This is the explanetory text (Definition)

Use the "View Source" option of your browser to view the HTML codes that create the list.

Note - <DL> may not contain plain text or any tag other than <DT> or <DD>. Do not use definition list tags create an indented section of text. This is not guaranteed to work and it is syntactically invalid HTML.

• Glossary of HTML Tags (By Category)
• Outline for the Course
• Library of Congress Home Page