[Chapter 21] Reference: Element.focus()
Author: David Flanagan
Date: Fri Aug 29 11:15:31 1997

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| Chapter 21 JavaScript Reference |

# Element.focus() Method

## Name

Element.focus() Method---give keyboard focus to a form element

## Availability

Navigator 2.0, Internet Explorer 3.0

## Synopsis

    element.focus()

### Arguments

none

### Returns

nothing

## Description

The `focus()` method of a form element transfers keyboard focus to that element without calling the `onfocus()` event handler. That is, it makes the element the active one with respect to keyboard navigation and keyboard input. Thus, if you call `focus()` for a Text element, then any text the user types will appear in that text element. Or, if you call `focus()` for Button element, then the user will be able to invoke that button from the keyboard.

All form elements, except the Hidden element support the `focus()` method. Unfortunately, not all platforms support keyboard navigation equally well. In Navigator 2.0 and 3.0 for Unix platforms, the `focus()` method is only functional for those form elements that display text: Text, Textarea, Password and FileUpload.

## See Also

"Element", "Element.blur()", "Element.onfocus()"

Element.defaultValue |  | Element.form