HTML datalist Tag

HTML datalist: Main Tips

• The HTML <datalist> element generates a drop-down menu with predefined options for users to select.
• This element sets the options for the <input> element.
• The <datalist> adds the HTML autocomplete feature to the form.

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Use of datalist

The <datalist> tag specifies an HTML autocomplete feature to be used with a form element. An alternative element is <select>.

<input list="books">
<datalist id="books">
  <option value="Fiction">
  <option value="Non-Fiction">
</datalist>

However, the discussion of <datalist> vs <select> should mention that the <select> requires users to choose from the indicated options. The <datalist> allows users to either choose from the specified answers, or to type in their original ones.

Browser support

Chrome

20+

Edge

All

Firefox

4+

IE

10+

Opera

9.5+

Safari

12.1+

Mobile browser support

Chrome

33+

Firefox

4+

Opera

-

Safari

12.2+