Deprecated
This feature has been removed from the Web standards. Though some browsers may still support it, it is in the process of being dropped. Avoid using it and update existing code if possible; see the compatibility table at the bottom of this page to guide your decision. Be aware that this feature may cease to work at any time.
Obsolete
This feature is obsolete. Although it may still work in some browsers, its use is discouraged since it could be removed at any time. Try to avoid using it.
The HTML Blink Element (<blink>) is a non-standard element causing the enclosed text to flash slowly.
DOM interface
This element is unsupported and thus implements the HTMLUnknownElement interface.
Example
<blink>Why would somebody use this?</blink>
Result (toned down!)
Specification
This element is non-standard and not part of any specification. If you don't believe us, see for yourself in the HTML spec.
CSS Polyfill
If you really do need a polyfill, then you can use the following CSS polyfill. Works in IE10+.
blink {
-webkit-animation: 2s linear infinite condemed_blink_effect; // for android
animation: 2s linear infinite condemed_blink_effect;
}
@-webkit-keyframes condemed_blink_effect { // for android
0% {
visibility: hidden;
}
50% {
visibility: hidden;
}
100% {
visibility: visible;
}
}
@keyframes condemed_blink_effect {
0% {
visibility: hidden;
}
50% {
visibility: hidden;
}
100% {
visibility: visible;
}
}
Browser compatibility
| Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari (WebKit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | No support | No support [1] | No support | No support [2] | No support |
| Feature | Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | IE Phone | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | No support | No support [1] | No support | No support [2] | No support |
[1] Supported until version 22. Removed in version 23.
[2] Supported until version 12.1. Removed in version 15.0.
See also
- History of the creation of the HTML
<blink>element. text-decoration, where a blink value exists, though browsers are not required to effectively make it blink.<marquee>, another similar non-standard element.- CSS animations are the way to go to create such an effect.