Introduction to <frameset>tag

The <frameset>tag in HTML was used in earlier versions of HTML to create a web page layout that could divide the browser window into multiple sections, or "frames," each capable of displaying a separate HTML document. This allowed for complex page structures where different parts of a website could be independently loaded, navigated, or scrolled.

Key Features of the <frameset>Tag

Structure and Usage:
The <frameset>tag replaces the <body>tag in an HTML document when frames are used. It specifies the number and size of frames within the window. Frames are created by defining rows and columns in the <frameset>tag. Each frame is represented by a <frame>tag, which defines the source document (usually an HTML file) that will be displayed in that section.

Attributes of <frameset>:
  • rows: Defines the number of horizontal frames and their sizes. Values can be specified in pixels (e.g., 200px), as a percentage of the window (e.g., 50%), or using a relative size (*).
  • cols: Defines the number of vertical frames and their sizes, similar to the rows attribute.
  • By combining rowsand cols, a developer can create a grid-like layout.

Attributes of <frame>:
  • src: Specifies the URL of the document to be displayed in the frame.
  • name: Gives a name to the frame, which can be targeted by links from other frames.
  • scrolling: Controls the scrollbar's visibility; it can be set to yes, no, or auto.
  • noresize: Prevents the user from resizing the frame by dragging the borders.
  • frameborder: Controls whether the frame has a border around it; it can be set to 1 (default, with border) or 0 (without border).

Warning: The <frameset>tag is deprecated and no longer supported in modern web standards. It should be avoided in contemporary web development practices. To achieve complex layouts, use modern HTML elements like <div>combined with CSS Grid or Flexbox, which offer more flexibility and are more accessible for users.

Deprecated: This feature is no longer recommended for use but while some browsers might still support it but it may have already been removed from web standards or it could be in the process of being phased out, it might only be retained for compatibility with older web projects and it's advisable to avoid using this feature and update your existing code wherever possible, refer to the compatibility table below for guidance and keep in mind that the feature may stop functioning in the future.

HTML AttributesGlobal AttributesEvent Attributes
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elementsChrome BrowsersMicrosoft Edge BrowserFirefox BrowsersSafari BrowserOpera Browser
<frameset>NoNoNoNoNo