HTML Tags
HTML <param> Tag (Obsolete)
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 element is obsolete and must not be used in new HTML documents.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element is obsolete and non-conforming.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
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Current status | Obsolete; do not use |
| Valid in modern HTML | No |
| 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
dataattribute and provide an accuratetypevalue 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.