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HTML Tags

HTML <wbr> Tag

Written by Published

Learn how the HTML <wbr> tag suggests optional line-break positions inside long words, URLs, and identifiers.

The <wbr> tag represents a possible line-break position within text.
The browser may break the line at that position when space is limited, but it leaves the text unbroken when enough space is available.

Syntax

html

<p>HTML5<wbr>AND<wbr>CSS3</p>

Attributes

AttributeDescription
classSpecifies one or more class names for CSS styling.
idDefines a unique identifier for the element.
styleAdds inline CSS styles.
titleProvides additional information as a tooltip when hovered.

Example

html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>WBR Tag Example</title>
  <style>
    .example {
      width: 240px;
      padding: 16px;
      border: 2px solid #29AB87;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.6;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Optional Word Breaks</h1>

  <div class="example">
    <p>
      Visit
      https://www<wbr>.html5andcss3<wbr>.org/tutorials<wbr>/html
      to learn modern HTML.
    </p>

    <p>
      ThisIsAReallyLong<wbr>ProductName<wbr>ThatCanWrapSafely
    </p>
  </div>
</body>
</html>

Browser Support

Chrome
Edge
Firefox
Safari
Opera
IE9+
YesYesYesYesYesYes

The <wbr> element is supported by all major modern browsers.

Notes

  • The <wbr> element suggests a break opportunity; it does not force a new line.
  • Unlike <br>, the browser uses the break only when wrapping is needed.
  • Use it inside long URLs, identifiers, product names, or other text that has no natural spaces.
  • The element does not add a hyphen when the line breaks. Use ­ when a conditional hyphen is required.
  • Do not place text inside <wbr>; it is an empty element.
  • The <wbr> tag is a void element and must not have a closing tag.
  • For broad wrapping rules across an entire element, CSS properties such as overflow-wrap or word-break may be more appropriate.

Conclusion

The <wbr> tag provides a safe optional break point inside long, unbroken text.
Use it when the browser needs help wrapping a specific word or URL without forcing a line break every time.

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