The HTML capture attribute
Quick answer
The HTML capture attribute asks mobile devices to capture media directly from a camera or microphone. It is used on the <input type="file"> element.
Overview
The capture attribute requests media capture from a device camera/mic. It is used on form controls such as <input>, <select> and <textarea>.
It is a form-control attribute: it configures how a control behaves, what it accepts, or its initial value, working alongside the control's <label> and parent <form>. Constraint attributes also feed the browser's built-in validation.
Syntax
<input type="file" accept="image/*" capture="environment">Values
| Value |
|---|
| user (front camera) | environment (rear camera) |
Best practices
- Give every control a <label> so it has an accessible name.
- Treat client-side constraints as a convenience — always validate again on the server, since they can be bypassed.
- Choose the most specific input type so users get the right on-screen keyboard and built-in checks.
- Keep the submitted name and value meaningful for whatever processes the form.
Frequently asked questions
What does the capture attribute do?
Requests media capture from a device camera/mic.
Are HTML form attributes enough for validation?
They give instant feedback, but client-side checks can be bypassed, so always validate on the server too.
Do form controls still need a label?
Yes. Every control needs a <label> for an accessible name, whatever attributes you set.
Which elements use the capture attribute?
It is an element-specific attribute, used on form controls such as <input>, <select> and <textarea>.