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