References

Beginner-friendly references for web development, with live, editable examples.

The HTML <address> tag

Element All modern browsers Updated
Quick answer

The HTML <address> element provides contact information for the author or owner of its nearest <article> or the whole document — an email, link or physical address. It is not for arbitrary postal addresses unrelated to authorship.

Overview

The <address> element marks up the contact information for the nearest <article> or for the document as a whole — typically the author's email, phone number, social profile, or postal address. You will most often see it inside a page <footer> or at the end of an article.

It is one of the most misused elements, so the boundary is worth stating plainly: it is only for the contact details of the relevant author or owner. Do not wrap an arbitrary postal address in it — a shipping address listed in body text, or a venue address in an event description, is not what <address> means. Use it for "how to reach the person or organization responsible for this content."

Browsers render its contents in italics by default, which is purely presentational — restyle it with CSS as needed. It is a grouping element for inline contact details and should not contain headings, sectioning content, or unrelated material.

Syntax

<address>
  Written by <a href="mailto:hi@example.com">Jane Doe</a>.
</address>

Example

Live example 
<address>
  Contact: <a href="mailto:hello@codeshack.io">hello@codeshack.io</a>
</address>

Best practices

  • Use it only for the contact details of the page's or the nearest article's author or owner.
  • Place it in a <footer> or at the end of the relevant article.
  • Do not use it for arbitrary postal addresses that appear in body text.
  • Restyle the default italics with CSS if the look does not fit your design.

Frequently asked questions

What is the address element for?
It marks up the contact information — email, phone, social or postal address — of the author or owner of the nearest article or the page.
Can I use the address element for any postal address?
No. It is specifically for the contact details of the relevant author or owner, not for arbitrary addresses such as a shipping or venue address in body text.
Why is my address text italic?
Browsers style <address> in italics by default. It is presentational only — override it with CSS.
Where should the address element go?
Usually in the page <footer>, or at the end of the <article> whose author it describes.
abbr area