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HTML <param> Tag (Obsolete)

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The <param> element is obsolete and must not be used in new HTML documents.

The <param> element is obsolete and non-conforming. It was historically used to pass parameters to plugin-based content inside an <object> element, but it must not be used in new HTML documents.

Standards Status

ItemStatus
Current statusObsolete; do not use
Valid in modern HTMLNo
Historical parent<object>
Use instead<object> attributes, native media elements, URL parameters, or JavaScript APIs

Historical Syntax

The following syntax may appear in old websites or archived documentation. It is shown only so you can recognize and replace it.

Legacy <param> markup — do not use

html

<object data="legacy-resource">
  <param name="autoplay" value="true">
</object>

Modern Replacement

Choose the element designed for the resource. Use <audio> or <video> for media, <iframe> for another HTML page, and the data and type attributes directly on <object> for an external resource.

Modern <object> example without <param>

html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Modern Object Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <object data="https://ik.imagekit.io/html5andcss3/lesson-samples/sample.pdf" type="application/pdf" width="600" height="400">
    <p>Your browser cannot display the PDF. <a href="https://ik.imagekit.io/html5andcss3/lesson-samples/sample.pdf">Download it</a>.</p>
  </object>
</body>
</html>

How to Update Old Code

  • Remove every <param> child from the old <object> markup.
  • Move the resource URL to the data attribute and provide an accurate type value when using <object>.
  • Replace plugin-based audio or video with <audio> or <video>.
  • Use JavaScript APIs when a modern component needs runtime configuration.
  • Keep accessible fallback content inside <object>.

Conclusion

The <param> element belongs only in legacy-code discussions. Do not use it in new projects; select the appropriate modern HTML element or API instead.

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